JOSEPH ADRIEN HENRI LAFRENIERE

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JOSEPH ADRIEN HENRI LAFRENIERE It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Henri at Selkirk General Hospital, on June 14, 2016. Born on April 4, 1938, in Somerset, MB, to Alma and Clement Lafreniere, Henri had 11 siblings. He was predeceased by his parents, five brothers and two sisters. Henri leaves to mourn, his loving partner for almost 30 years, Shelagh and her two daughters, Heidi (Marcus) and Siobhan (Willy); his three sons, Robert (Stephanie), Raymond (Justine), Roger (Melania); and his 16 grandchildren, Doug, Richard, Steve, Luke, Colt, Dane, Teegan, Kiara, Cassidy, Liam, Austin, Raine, Savannah, Cooper, Briton and Emma. Also three sisters, Laurette, Lucy, Yvette; and one brother Emil (Debbie); sister-in-law Annette; brother-in-law Placid; and his sons' mother Cecile, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many good friends. Henri was very active through the years with baseball, hockey, curling, darts and pool. His love of music was great, and he and Shelagh hosted musical parties for many years. After Henri retired from Dustbane Winnipeg, he became maintenance manager at Goodwin Lodge and later at Farview, both in Teulon, where he and Shelagh resided for 27 years, in the house that he built with his own hands. Henri was a builder of houses, a barn, cradles, puzzles, games, ditches, furniture and most importantly, friendships. He suffered a serious stroke on December 6, 2014, which affected his speech and mobility - so hard for a man who loved to work with his hands in his workshop. Heartfelt thanks go out to Gimli Hospital, where he lived for over a year - Dr. Rhoma, Donna, ALL the Nurses, HCA's, OT's, cleaning / kitchen staff. You were our Angels. Also thanks to Riverview for the two months of rehab that Henri received. And to Gimli Betel - Thank you for looking after Henri for the last six months. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chapnick, ALL the nurses, HCA's, OT's, Recreation staff and cleaning/kitchen staff. Lastly to Selkirk General Hospital - Your care and compassion to Henri, myself and my family was above and beyond. Bless ALL your hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated or to a charity of one's choice. A celebration of Henri's life will take place on Saturday, June 25 at 101 Autumnwood Drive, Gimli from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MacKenzie Funeral Home Teulon 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2016