Sylvain was born on April 15, 1935 to Genevieve (Saive) and Arthur Dumonceaux in the Golden Plain district. He is survived by his wife Anne; his children Adrien (Maureen) Dumonceaux, Gisele Dumonceaux (David Klinger), Celeste Delahey, and Stephanie (Shawn) Tillman; his grandchildren Scott Dumonceaux, Jeremy Dumonceaux, Carl (Alexandra) Dumonceaux, Nathalie Klinger, Julian Klinger, Graeme Delahey, Marissa Delahey, Cameron Delahey, Sylvianne Tillman and Jonah Tillman; his great grandchildren Braxton, Kinsley, Arya and Odin Dumonceaux; and his sister Monique (Philip) Straker. Sylvain was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Raphael and Andre, and his sister Solange.
Sylvain grew up on the farm he was born on and completed Grade 8 at Golden Plain school. He started farming with his father when he was 15. In 1959, Sylvain and Anne were married and lived near Langbank for two years before moving back to the home farm. They lived and farmed there until 2018, when they moved to Kipling after harvesting their 66th crop.
Sylvain was a life-long learner and valued education for himself and everyone in his family. He helped organize and attended numerous community college courses and completed the GE for Grade 12 in 1976. He earned his pilot’s license in 1978 and enjoyed flying his plane and giving rides. Sylvain was a cooperating farmer for University of Saskatchewan field trials, and in 1994 completed an agricultural certificate in crop production from University of Saskatchewan extension. He read widely and was always interested in adopting new farming techniques and learning skills that come in handy around a house and farm, especially welding.
Sylvain served his church and community as president of parish council and as a member of the Langbank Co-op and Wheat Pool boards. Sylvain was known for his distinctive “booming” voice. He used it emceeing family celebrations, Knights of Columbus events and playing Santa Claus at Langbank School and St. Hubert’s church. He also used his voice to encourage others and cast his positive light on his family, friends and neighbors. He was a compassionate listener, gifted conversationalist and talked to anyone he met. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, Anne and Sylvain traveled throughout Canada and to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, Mexico, Cuba and Panama. Sylvain loved to meet people, hear their stories, and discuss everything from world events to farming practices. He was an entertaining storyteller and the memory bank for his family and others in the community. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting with friends and neighbors.
Sylvain was a dedicated father, husband, brother and grandfather. He taught his family to work hard, appreciate the simple, good things in life like a good meal, see the glass half full, and always thank people for their smallest efforts. He truly loved all his children and grandchildren, was proud of them, encouraged them, and was interested in their pursuits. Their first driving lessons were all with Grandpa. We will remember him for his commanding presence, his endless store of colorful figures of speech, his sense of humor, and his welcoming and genuine manner.
Sylvain’s family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Kipling Hospital for the excellent, kind and compassionate care he received during his stays in the last years of his life. We are also grateful for the friendship and support from St Hubert’s, Langbank, Kennedy and Kipling neighbours and friends.
A private funeral mass was held in St. Ann R.C. Church, Kennedy on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Livestreaming of the mass is available with the link posted below. The interment will be held in Whitewood, SK. Later in the year, Sylvain’s family hopes to host a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sylvain’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society, (www.cancer.ca/en/donate)
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