Maurice Pinel

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph Maurice Roland Pinel, announce his passing on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the age of 82 years. He leaves to cherish his memory three brothers Rene Pinel, Ernest (Helen) Pinel, and Marcel (Sheila) Pinel, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cherished cousins and friends. Maurice was predeceased by his parents, Olivier and Bibiane (nee deMontigny) Pinel, and, two brothers, Raymond and Armand. Born in Ponteix, SK, on December 10th, 1941, and grew up on a farm in Val Marie, SK. Maurice was the fifth eldest of six children (all boys) born to Olivier and Bibiane Pinel. He was baptized in Ponteix, SK on December 14, 1941, by Rev. Father Louis Lussier and his godparents were Eudore Desautels and Marie deMontigny. He was confirmed in Val Marie, SK on July 6, 1955.

Maurice was born intellectually challenged and attended school in Val Marie but was unable to learn. His parents sent Maurice to Jardin de L’Enfance in Gravelbourg, SK in the 1950s and afterwards, his mom taught him at home. Maurice lived with his parents in Val Marie, SK. He would help his mom with cooking and cleaning. Helped to dig out the basement and haul the dirt out with a rope tied to a tub. Maurice helped on the farm by stacking the bales on a sleigh behind the baler and then pushing them off with a crowbar. He also helped with loading and unloading the bales from the trailer. He was good at driving the grain truck at harvest time, backing the truck to the loader, and feeding the cows by driving the tractor. Maurice also helped to make the fence line and operated the tractor with the post pounder.

When Oliver and Bibiane retired to Swift Current, SK in 1977, Maurice went with them and worked as a trainee at the Sask. Abilities Council which he liked very much. In 1981, Maurice moved to Saskatoon and stayed with his brother Armand Pinel and his wife Helen and family and continued to work at the Sask. Abilities Council. In 1992, Maurice moved into his own apartment in Saskatoon, SK where he was able to take care of himself by cooking his own meals, housekeeping, shopping, and banking. On April 7, 2003, Maurice went from working at Sask. Abilities Council to Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. as a trainee in Saskatoon which he also enjoyed. Maurice attended the Sask. Abilities Camp Easter Seal along with all the events that Sask. Abilities and Cosmopolitan Industries had to offer. Maurice was active with Faith and Light as well as L’Arche. He was going to Cosmo twice a week up until January 2024. Maurice received his 20-year Cosmopolitan Industries pin in 2023 and has over 25 years with Sask. Abilities.

Maurice also travelled many times with his brothers: on family vacations within Canada and even internationally including Europe. Maurice enjoyed taking pictures on these trips and videos. He was a world traveler! He always loved coming to the farm in Val Marie, SK, especially during harvest. He was a fun Uncle to have because he was young at heart! He has always been very active; riding his bicycle all over the city in the summer, doing lots of walking, and taking city transit. On Saturdays, he would go out with a couple of friends for a coffee and shopping. He loved going to the movie theatre and would often be gifted gift cards to the movies. He also enjoyed ceramics.

Later on, Maurice moved to Villa Bonheur, a French speaking community in Saskatoon, SK, and would attend church at Saints Martyrs Canadiens and Saint Anne’s Catholic Church. Their Fall Supper and meals were his favorite! Due to his health and mobility, Maurice moved to Paradise Care Home. He then received a hip replacement in October 2017 but could never recover from the surgery. After that, he went to Light of the Prairies, and then into long term care starting at Porteous Lodge eventually making his way over to St. Ann’s Home Long Term Care on October 28, 2020. St. Ann’s was much easier for his brother, Rene, to tend to him as Rene’s wife, Tillie, was also at St. Ann’s.

Maurice was active in the care home activities; you will find many pictures of Maurice taken by St. Ann’s. The best one was his license plate ‘Smiley’, which summed up Maurice perfectly! Maurice’s health was slowly declining over the years with less and less mobility. Rene would always make sure that Maurice attended the mass at St. Ann’s Chapel or the very least would bring him communion. Maurice even attended mass the day before he passed away.

We would like to thank all who supported Maurice over the years. Maurice was the happiest person in every place and every event he was at. He will be dearly missed.

Family and friends will gather for the Vigil of Prayer at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Both services will be at Saints Martyrs Canadiens (1007 Windsor Street, Saskatoon) with Fr. Daniel Louh as Celebrant. Rite of Committal to follow the reception at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SaskAbilities-Camp Easter Seal in Maurice’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor.