René's work experience was varied to say the least: lumberjack, White Father of Africa, aircraft mechanic, Caisse populaire manager, politician, real estate broker, tribal administrator and investment advisor.
René was proud of his achievements during his time as the New Democratic Party member of the legislative assembly for Springfield and especially his tenure as Minister of Health. After politics, René moved on to administrative work for the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council. He then took a position with Investors Group as an Investment Advisor and retired in the year 2000.
Following his retirement René spent two months in Costa Rica immersing himself in the Spanish language. He also attained his motorcycle license, renewed his passion for singing with a second turn as a choir member of Les Intrépides, and continued on with his study of Spanish.
René's greatest passions were helping people and caring for animals. He found his time with Hospice and Palliative Care particularly rewarding. Some of his other volunteerism included serving as national president of la Fédération des Ainés, president of la Fédération des ainés franco-manitobains, and vice-chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging. He was also a member of the East St. Paul Lions Club. René loved all kinds of animals and he could often be found feeding, walking, caring for or having an attentive conversation with one of his four-legged friends.
René is predeceased by his brothers Gerard and Henri, and his sister Lorraine. He is survived by his dear sister Claire. He leaves his loving wife Frances Spooner and his children Paul (Carmen), Louise (Dave), Yvette (Scott), Rosanne (Darren) and Michel. His 11 grandchildren and five great grandsons brought him much joy.
A special thank-you to Dr. Houston and Barb at Cancer Care, Anne at Palliative Care and Pat at Concordia Hospital.
The service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Thomson "in the Park" located at 1291 McGillivray Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society: 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 or the Manitoba Hospice and Palliative Care Association: 2109 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3
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