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MAURICE DUFORT
Born: Sep 19, 1920
Date of Passing: Jul 27, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMAURICE DUFORT 1920 - 2014 Peacefully, on Sunday, July 27, 2014, with family by his side, Maurice Dufort passed away in his 94th year. Maurice was predeceased by his parents, Basil and Emma Dufort, his sister, Palmyre Leclair, and his brother, Rodolphe. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 71 years, Renée; his son, Gilles Dufort (Susan), grandchildren Jeff Dufort and Danielle Kirton (Chris) and great-grandchildren Tanner, Hilary and Noah Dufort and Andrew Kirton; his daughter, Lorraine Restall (Frank), grandchildren Christian Boone (Diana), Adam Boone (Tanja) and great-granddaughter, Mayzie Boone; his daughter Jacqueline Whitehill (David), granddaughters, Kellie Whitehill (Matthew Robinson), Shannon Bergen (Jerry), and Kirsten Mangin (Joel), and great-granddaughter Kenzie Bergen; his daughter, Joanne Renaud (Kerry), grandsons Matthew Renaud (Dayna Steinfeld) and Taylor Renaud; and his son Claude Dufort (Donna), grandchildren Dylan Dufort (Brittany Odger), Kyle Dufort, Brock Dufort (Ashley Konowalchuk) and Rhéa Dufort, and great-grandsons Jude Dufort and Domenik Dufort. In addition, Maurice is survived by his brothers Denis, Aimé, Fernand, Camil and Paul Dufort as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews who were all very special to him. Maurice was born in the St. Norbert Parish on September 19, 1920. His formal education occurred in St. Norbert until his high school graduation in the late 1930s. Subsequent to his education, in 1939, upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Maurice enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He received his pilot training in Québec and rose to the rank of Flight Lieutenant as a pilot instructor in the British Commonwealth Air Training School based in Regina. During the winter of 1943, Maurice secured a brief leave which enabled him to return to Winnipeg and marry his sweetheart, Renée Lemire, at the St. Norbert Church on February 24. On February 24, 2014, Maurice and Renée joyously celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary with their family. Following the war, Maurice embarked upon his professional career. Maurice was a very successful buyer in the employ of Winnipeg Furniture, Marshall Wells and Hudson's Bay House in Baie Comeau, Québec. Following these successful endeavours, Maurice pursued an entrepreneurship opportunity by founding and establishing Dufort Agencies in 1967, which later became Dufort Distributors in 1971. 1980 witnessed the emergence of Dufort Industries which specialized in boat windshields, tops and marine products. Maurice and his two sons created a highly respected North American business which remains a Winnipeg institution to this day. Maurice was a founding member of the Mid-Canada Marine Dealer's Association and received many awards of recognition from the marine industry and the business community as a whole, acknowledging his integrity and honesty as a business owner. At the age of 90 and in his fifth decade at the helm of Dufort Industries, Maurice decided to retire. Maurice's true passion and purpose for being was his family. Throughout his life, Maurice kept his family first and foremost in his heart. Maurice adored his wife and children and relished every new addition to his ever expanding, multi-generational family. The energy and time Maurice put into his family knew no bounds. Whether creating snow forts, skating rinks, ice slides or family trips to maintain ties with distant relatives, Maurice considered this time and such activities to be a true investment. In later years, he expended even greater energy attending many games, concerts and activities for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each child knew that Maurice's interest was keen and genuine for he possessed the ability to make each child feel special and loved. He firmly believed that giving of one's time was one of the greatest gifts of all. Maurice was always a source of encouragement, sage advice, unwavering support and limitless love. He was a gentleman who demonstrated patience, humility and kindness without reservation. The true mark of greatness that Maurice achieved was the care he provided for his wife Renée. In 1943, Maurice promised, with all that he was, to take care of the love of his life. The testament to Maurice's life is that he ensured the fulfillment of that promise and always demonstrated the power of faith, hope and love. On t'aime papa. Tu nous manques. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Maurice's memory, to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31 at Holy Family Parish, 778 Archibald Street. A private family interment will be held at a later date. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2014
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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I was so sadden to hear of the loss of Mr. Dufort, the Patriarch of an absolutely wonderful family! My sincerest sympathy to the entire Dufort clan. May his soul shine effervecinetly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. I will always remember the multiple family gatherings. Birthdays, holidays etc. May his legacy be always cherished and carried on through the generations. R.I.P. - Posted by: crystal-lee Deitz (grandfather (Gil's adopted daughter)) on: Aug 24, 2014
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We were saddened to hear news of your father Jackie. Our condolences to the entire Dufort family. - Posted by: Ray & Ivy (Friend of Jackie & Dave) on: Aug 21, 2014
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My deepest sympathies to Claude and his family for the loss of their father. I had the privilege of working for Maurice as a young man and have never had a wiser and kind boss as Maurice. He had the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He may be gone from this world but he will live on in people's hearts and minds. - Posted by: Robert Cormier (Friend, former employee) on: Aug 10, 2014
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I would say that it is very rare to encounter someone in one's life who exemplifies all of the qualities that we should all aspire to. Maurice was one of those individuals. We were all fortunate to have the advantage of that wisdom and the example that he set to carry forward in the years ahead in his memory. - Posted by: Kerry Renaud (son in law) on: Aug 01, 2014
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Mr. Dufort was the Patriarch of the company he started, Dufort Industries. He was affectionately called “Mr. D.” by his staff. As much of the staff are first generation Canadians, we considered Mr. D. as our father figure. We never saw him angered and always loving. He took an interest in our personal lives asking about our families and asking if there was anything that he could help us with. At our Christmas parties he always told us that “we are all one family.” He attended our family christenings, birthday parties, weddings and funerals. Mr. D., we miss you and have numerous happy memories of your involvement in our lives and working beside you. To Mrs. D. and her family, our prayers are with you at this time and we mourn with you. The staff and friends of Dufort Industries - Posted by: The Staff of Dufort Industries (staff) on: Aug 01, 2014
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My condolences to you and your family Gil. - Posted by: Roger LaFreniere (friend) on: Jul 31, 2014
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There are but a few people in my life that I held in such a high level of respect than I did Maurice. Repectful, kind, understanding, a real gentleman, a great boss. Those are the memories I carry of him. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Leo and Joanne Berard (Leo - Employee of Dufort Distributors in the early 70's) on: Jul 31, 2014
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We were fortunate to meet Maurice when our son fell in love with and married his granddaughter, Kellie. He welcomed us with open arms into his wonderful family and we spent some happy times in his company. Maurice was blessed to live his life surrounded by the love of the family he helped to create and to do so with vigor far beyond what most of us can hope for. A remarkable man indeed. - Posted by: Maureen and Fred Robinson (Friends) on: Jul 31, 2014
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Uncle Maurice always made me feel welcome and took the time to take interest in my life. He was a solid man who will be missed. Sincere condolences to the family. Corinne Dufort - Posted by: Corinne Dufort () on: Jul 30, 2014
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I have known Maurice Dufort for 50 years. He was a wonderful Grandfather to my two children & Great Grandfather to my four grand children. He was the kindest, most considerate gentleman that I have ever known. There are not enough words to describe how I admired him & all of his family. The world was a better place for me & everyone who knew him because of Maurice. I have so many happy memories too many to mention but they will always be with me & comfort me when I think of him. He will always be remembered & loved. - Posted by: Audrey Roche (Family friend) on: Jul 30, 2014
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I can only echo the testimonials above, and add my voice to the chorus of tributes to a quintessential gentleman and beloved family member. It was always a pleasure to see him, and a privilege to know him. - Posted by: Marc Ouimet (Honorary nephew) on: Jul 30, 2014
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I can only echo the testimonials above, and add my voice to the chorus of tributes to a quintessential gentleman and beloved family member. It was always a pleasure to see him, and a privilege to know him. - Posted by: Marc Ouimet (Honorary nephew) on: Jul 30, 2014
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What a wonderful life Maurice had! I am honored to have worked with him and the family (Giles and Claude) throughout my years in the marine industry. My condolances to the family. - Posted by: Scott Wallace (Business associate - Mid Canada Marine Dealers) on: Jul 30, 2014
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One things for sure ... he will make heaven a better place. He was that kind of man he always made things better. When you think about it ... he was the model for humanity and if there were 6 billion souls like his this would be an ideal world. Farewell to a a marvelous man we admire you! - Posted by: Don Dufort (nephew) on: Jul 30, 2014
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I have fond memories of uncle Maurice at Family gatherings, these memories will be cherished. - Posted by: Lauren Dufort (Relative) on: Jul 30, 2014
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Though brief, we have always and still do, feel very special and thankful that his life touched ours. Always remembered - sincere condolences to the family - thinking of you all at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Len & Sharon LaFrance () on: Jul 29, 2014
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Uncle Maurice was instrumental in my young life. I will always remember him picking my brother and I up at the Winnipeg train station when we would arrive for summer visits. He also helped me buy my first motorcycle,... he was a good uncle to me. My heart goes out to all his family, to all he reached and touched. Gerry Dufort - Posted by: gerry dufort (nephew) on: Jul 29, 2014
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Condolences to the family on the loss of a fine gentleman, Maurice Dufort. Neighbours and friends at Seine River Residence - Posted by: Harris & Laurie Johnston (Client of Dufort Industries) on: Jul 29, 2014
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My condolences to you and your family Gil. Sounds like your father had a full and exciting life. - Posted by: Maureen Scott (old friend of his son Gil) on: Jul 29, 2014
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An very Honourable Man -- with love -- Michelle (Dufort) Dewey - Posted by: Michelle (Dufort) Dewey (Neice) on: Jul 29, 2014
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It was an honour and privilege to have Maurice in my life. He was a most kind, considerate, loving and caring person. A true "gentle" man. I have nothing but good and fond memories of him. I will miss him but always carry him in my heart. My sincere condolences to his entire family. - Posted by: Charles J.O. Boone () on: Jul 29, 2014
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My sincerest condolences to the Dufort family. Maurice was always a "class act" to do business with. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. - Posted by: Shael Glesby (Business Associate) on: Jul 29, 2014
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I enjoyed my association with Maurice and the "boys" at Dufort in early 2000 and was always greeted by a gentleman with respect and professionalism.I extend my deepest sympathy tp Renee, Giles and Claude and all the Dufort families...Sincerely. Ken - Posted by: Ken Sutherland (Friend,business associate) on: Jul 29, 2014
