Janvier Bonneau

JANVIER C. BONNEAU, a retired farmer of the Willow Bunch district, was called to his heavenly home by his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, on August 24, 2022 at age 79. One of a family of 19 siblings, Janvier entered this world at Willow Bunch, SK on January 19, 1943, the son of Jean Pascal and Lumina “Roy” Bonneau. He began his schooling in Forget, with a year in Radville and finished in Willow Bunch in 1959. A bachelor at heart, he remained single to the end. In 1960 Janvier worked briefly on Armand Lautier’s ranch. He later worked for Target Electric, assisting in wiring school expansions in Bengough, Coronach, and Rockglen. Janvier then spent several years as a mechanic’s helper at Wiens’ Machinery in W.B. Though needed in the shop, his main duty in summer was to setup farm machinery and make deliveries of equipment. In so doing, he increased his knowledge of the country and the people. In 1962, he and his brother Gilles worked for M. & M. Construction, first in Assiniboia renovating the bowling alley, then in Moose Jaw at a greenhouse and the Chamber of Commerce building. In 1964 Janvier worked for his brother Philias, sole owner of the newly authorized John Deere Agency in W.B., and then for the partnership of brothers Philias and Michel. By 1965 he was working as farm help for his brother Florent, and in 1966 they formed a partnership which was expanded in 1967 to include his brother Gilles. He later bought land of his own, and rented some from his parents. This proved to be his life’s work, farming until his retirement some 20 years later. While on the farm, Janvier built himself a beautiful little house, later moving it to an acreage near Willow Bunch where he again occupied it for many years. Also in 1967, Janvier took to working winters with Alfred Eason of “Chubey’s Auto Body” in Assiniboia, and in 1973/74 as a carpenter’s helper for Bernard Philippon. After selling his farm in 1985, he opened “John’s Repair Service,” did lathe work, welding, starter, generator, and alternator repairs. Later he bought the CIBC building, made renovations, setup his business on the main floor and resided in the upper storey. However, he quit that business after several years, sold the building and returned to his house on the outskirts of Willow Bunch. From 1995-1997, Janvier worked tirelessly typing stories submitted for the Willow Bunch history book. He also worked with his brother Gilles on the W.B. pamphlet “Historical Sites & Buildings.” By this time he was residing in a house purchased from Oscar Montgomery; it too, needed renovations, all done by Janvier and his brother Gilles. In 1999 Janvier moved to Moose Jaw, but returned to W.B. in 2003. Ever the wanderer, he bought a house in Assiniboia in 2006, and moved in after making needed renovations. In 2007 he removed shrubbery from the front of the lot, redesigned the front steps, installed window awnings (assisted by George Mondor) and painted the exterior. New shingles were installed in 2013. As long as his health permitted, Janvier enjoyed playing pool with his buddies at Club 55, and tending to his garden in the summer months. Unfortunately, due to Parkinson disease, he reluctantly moved into East Side Court in 2020, where he received needed assistance. Shortly thereafter, he was relocated to the Ross Payant Nursing Home where his every need was taken care of by a fine staff of nurses and assistants, until his dying day. Predeceased by five brothers: H. Albert – 1919, Albert – 1998, Treffle – 1952, Pascal – 2016 and Florent – 1971; five sisters: Jeannine – 2009, Dorraine – 1974, Anna – 2018, Gabrielle – 2011 and Nichole – 2020; seven brothers-in-law: Adien Beausoleil – 2002, Dale McIntyre – 2010, Raymond Hering – 1982, Bruce Paterson – 1996, Vincent Hoffmann – 1991, Wayne Eger – 2005 and Allan Aussant – 2018; two sisters-in-law: Doraine Plante - ? & Marie-Paule Laberge – 2009; and one nephew: Paul Bonneau – 2011. Janvier is survived by five brothers: Claude, Michel, Philias, Lionel and Gilles, three sisters: Therese, Georgette, and Colette; and 32 nephews and nieces, etc. In keeping with Janvier’s wishes, a graveside service and interment was held in the Willow Bunch – St. Ignace des Saules (country) Cemetery on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch and fellowship followed in the St. Ignace Parish Hall. The family takes this opportunity to thank all for their kindness and prayers in this very stressful time, most especially Shirley Karst and Sylvia Beausoleil/Cote for their daily assistance in keeping the vigil, etc. The family also wants to thank the Ross Payant Centennial Nursing Home for their wonderful care of Janvier while he was there, as well as all the Home Care workers previous to that. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Bonneau family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.