LEON DORNEZ

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LEON DORNEZ Léon Dornez of Saint Genevieve, MB, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2013 at the age of 85 years. He was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne (Godard) in 2001, an infant son, Joseph, in 1972, his parents, Théophile Dornez and Maria (Fiola), and seven brothers and sisters, Rosalie Ledet, Angeline Marcoux, Bernard, Marianne Ross, Délia Morin, Noélie Morin and Adrienne Saindon. He leaves to mourn him, six children, their spouses, and 13 grandchildren: Diane (Cameron), Danielle, Roxanne, Kristjan and Jonathan Laxdal; François (Estelle); Michel (Lise), Denis and Emilie Dornez; Jacques (Lynne), Chantale, Katrine and Eric Dornez; Marc (Joëlle), Colin, Nikita, Sylvie and Julien Dornez; Luc (Hélène). Also mourning him are a brother and three sisters: Jean, Elizabeth Ross, Marceline Beaulieu and Joséphine Lansard and his in-laws: Blandine Dornez, Léo Ross, Lucienne, Jules and Paul Godard. Léon was born in Saint-Boniface on September 2, 1927, the sixth of 12 children. The family moved back to Sainte-Geneviève just before his second birthday which was celebrated with his godparents, Arthur Parent and Léontine (Fiola), who 10 years before had donated the land for the church and cemetery. Unfortunately the young Léon, exhausted, had fallen asleep on a chair and, to his chagrin, never made it to his own birthday party. Léon went to Dugas School until his fourteenth year when he started work in the logging camps along the GWWD railway. In 1952, he built a barn on his share of the paternal land and on May 9, 1953, he married Yvonne Godard. They operated a successful dairy farm until 1987 when they sold their milk contract. Life on the farm, sharing the workload with their six children, family meals and get-togethers like the "Réveillon and Jour de l'An" were a way of life and traditions that were dear to him. Léon was a man of many talents. As a carpenter he built cabins at Falcon Lake (1950s) and with his sons, many other commercial and residential buildings in the Richer area (1970s). When Lake Riviera was developed (1960s), he helped build the rock wall at the entrance. This experience later led him to build several stone fireplaces. He was the local welder and repaired many of the neighbours' machinery. He built and installed the school's flag mast which today, still serves the Saint Genevieve Community Centre. He had his moment of notoriety when CBC filmed him and his son, repairing the church's steeple. That vignette was seen regularly on television during the 1990s. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, an activity that he continued to practice with his sons and younger brother, as long as his health permitted him. In 2003, after having spent two winters alone, he decided to move to Saint Anne. The Club Jovial, the Knights of Colombus, the church for Sunday Mass were all places he could meet old friends and make new ones. His new neighbours were helpful and a source of constant support. He had the opportunity to return their favours by repairing this and that. His van was used for many a group trip. Léon enjoyed sculpting wood and made several clocks and three nativity scenes. These were 10 wonderful years for Léon, living close to the school and being able to entertain his grandchildren who often came to partake in his special chicken dish or homemade pizzas. In early March, Léon moved back to Saint Genevieve with Marc and Joelle, to end his days surrounded by family and took this time to put his affairs in order. Léon's family, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the medical and support staff who helped facilitate his gentle and dignified departure. We thank all those who took the time to come and visit Leon during his last stay in Saint Genevieve. Funeral mass in Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Burial of the ashes will be at the Saint Genevieve Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ste. Geneviève Cemetery, in care of Donald Morin, P.O. Box 66, Group 25, R.R. 2, Saint Anne (Manitoba) R5H 1R2. Condolences may be sent to www.desjardinsfuneralchapel. Desjardins 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2013