JOSEPH AUREL HAMELIN

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JOSEPH AUREL HAMELIN March 22, 1927 February 11, 2013 Joe passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord surrounded with the angels and the love of his wife of over 60 years, Lorette and his children Brian (Jenny Willoughby), Diane Thomas, Roger (Heather) and Laura (Chris Magnusson). Dad is survived by his siblings Florence (Allan Bray), Doris (Chuck Colvin), Ronald (Stella) and Ulysse (Annette). He also leaves grandsons Gavin (Danielle), Keaton and Daniel, and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents Alexandre and Corona (nee Laramee), siblings Tony (Blanche), Claire (Dick Blight), brothers-in-law Hank (Gerry) and Leo (Loretta) Durand. Joe was born in St. Boniface, MB and grew up in Pigeon Lake and at the family farm at Baie St. Paul. Joe met Lorette at Assiniboine Haven in 1953 at a weekend dance and the two soon started their lifelong commitment to each other. A gravel truck business was Joe's first enterprise and the first child soon arrived. After their second child, Joe moved the family up to Laurier, MB to run the local hotel. In 1959 it was back to Winnipeg and into a brand new house on Knox Street in St. Charles where they would spend the next 47 years. Joe blazed a trail with the Winnipeg Transit Services as a bus driver for several years and was joined by Ron and Ulysse who tried it out for a time as well. But it was as a real estate agent, most prominently with Royal Trust that Joe really shone. Joe became very successful in helping people with their real estate needs. He achieved the Million Dollar Club status which represented an incredible volume of homes handled in one year. Two more children followed in the family and it was not until the early 1990s that Joe finally retired. After all the kids were grown up and gone, Joe and Lorette moved into assisted living in 2007 to live out their retirement. The family would like to thank Dr. Kotecha, nurses Kim and JC at Heritage Lodge for their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Joe's wishes and the family would like you to join them for a Celebration of Joe's life which will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (4000 Portage Avenue). Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee. "Dad you now have the peace you sought for so long" For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2013