DENIS PERRIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DENIS PERRIN September 21, 1942 - May 13, 2017 On Saturday, May 13, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer, Denis moved on to a new workshop, and has left us all feeling somewhat helpless. There are just too many jobs unfinished, seedlings not planted, fish not caught, and stories not told. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lucille; three sons: Don (Nadine), Hubert (Lise), and Martin (Cathie); seven grandchildren: Justin (Samantha), Madelyn, Julien, Patrick, Josée, Isabelle, and Zachary; two great-grandchildren: Tylor and Jena; three brothers: Phillipe, Claude, and Guy; and a loving, extended family of in-laws, and many friends too numerous to mention. Denis was predeceased by his parents: Tobie and Léona; brothers: Bernard and Ulric, and sister Lucille. Denis was born in St. Boniface on September 21, 1942. He was the youngest son of seven children. He worked on the family farm, however left at the young age of 14 to attend college in St. Boniface. Denis loved his time at college, but was called back home at 16 as he was needed on the family farm. He met the love of his life, Lucille, in July, 1960, and they married on August 18, 1962. Together they had three sons, all of whom remained in Ste. Anne to raise their own children. The grandchildren were each able to have their own special relationship with their pepere and memere as a result. He built a 46 year career that included a wide range of occupations...there wasn't much Denis couldn't do. He worked construction, on the pipelines, owned D&D Painting, hauled gravel, and was well-known as the best ice-maker around. He ended his career as the head maintenance manager for the Seine River School Division and then the Division Scholaire Franco-Manitobaine, from which retired. He was truly the master of all trades. Denis was also a large part of the development of the Oakwood Golf Course - his handiwork is evident throughout the entire course - building greens, fixing machinery, moving holes, landscaping, etc. It was a labour of love that we see the evidence of still today. Denis was rarely found inactive. Whether he was golfing, fishing, gardening, or tinkering in his workshop, he was happy. The more challenging the job, the more determined he was. He was a collector of all things, everything had a value and was worth keeping. These past few months would have been even more difficult if not for the support of his doctors and nurses with CancerCare Manitoba and the Ste. Anne Hospital. Denis spoke often how much he appreciated your expertise and compassion. We would also like to thank all the friends and family that brought food by the house, checked in regularly, sent emails/texts of support, etc. - it kept us going when the going got difficult. The grief we feel is only balanced by the knowledge that he is out of pain and free to work on his projects, with limitless time and energy. We know The Man Upstairs has a long list to keep him busy for awhile! We will all miss him terribly... A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy. 52 W, Steinbach, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Denis' name to The Ste. Anne Hospital Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2017