LEONARD ROBIDOUX

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LEONARD ROBIDOUX It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Léonard, beloved husband, father and grandfather. Léonard passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the DeSalaberry District Health Centre, at the age of 89. Left to mourn his passage are his wife, Emilienne, sons Gérard and Richard, daughter-in-law Coreen and granddaughter Raquelle. Léonard was predeceased by his father Edouard in 1960, his mother Marie in 1967, his sister Rose in 2002, and his sister Yvonne in 2004. Léonard was born on July 3, 1924, at the family home in Otterburne, Manitoba. He worked with his father on the family farm, raising cattle and growing cereal crops. He took over the operations of the 320 acre farm when his father died, and grew it to 560 acres before retiring in 1989. In 1962, Léonard married Emilienne Courcelles of Ste. Agathe. They had two sons: Gérard, who currently works as an engineer in Calgary, and Richard, who works for CP Rail, and who lives with his family in Winnipeg Beach. After retiring, Léonard and Emilienne were finally able to travel. Among their destinations were Quebec, Alaska, and St. Joseph, Missouri to take part in a continent-wide reunion of the Robidoux families. Léonard was always ready to volunteer. He canvassed for many years for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He was co-founder and president of the Laval Cloutier Foundation for four years. The foundation provides financial help for people that require medical treatments that are not covered by Medicare. He was also very active in the St. Pierre Agricultural Society, being president for four years, and a director for 25 years. He also enjoyed taking part in many of the Agricultural Society's competitions. Over the years, Léonard belonged to many organizations. He was a member of the 4-H club as a young man. He took part in a number of political organizations later in life to help promote the interests of farmers and French speaking Manitobans. After retiring, he joined the Toastmasters to help him become a better public speaker. Léonard was also very active in his Roman Catholic faith. He joined the Knights of Columbus on June 1, 1946, and was inducted into the 4th degree on May 13, 2000. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Chalet Malouin in St. Malo, the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach and the DeSalaberry District Health Centre in St. Pierre for their wonderful care. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Antoine Vo Van Hoa, and will take place on Thursday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the Otterburne Roman Catholic Church. Viewing and prayers will be at 9:30 a.m., prior to mass. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery immediately following mass. A light lunch will be provided in the Otterburne curling hall after services are completed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Léonard's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220.
Publish Date: Nov 12, 2013

LEONARD ROBIDOUX Peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2013, Léonard Robidoux passed away at the DeSalaberry District Health Centre in St. Pierre-Jolys at the age of 89 years. Longer obituary to follow. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220.
Publish Date: Nov 9, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2013