Obituary of Roland Guenette

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Roland Guenette, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, on June 12, 2020 at the Riverview Health Centre at the age of 69 years. Left to cherish Roland’s memory is his wife of 48 years, Lucille. Also mourning Roland’s passing are his daughters Nicole (Tomas) and Melissa Nishizeki (Ryan); grandsons Avery and Ethan Nishizeki; brother Gerry (Doris); sister Rose-Aimee Cure; brothers-in-law Maurice Manaigre and Leo Delorme; sisters-in-law Ada and Jocelyne; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Roland was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Flore; brothers Robert, George, Richard, Claude and Gilbert; sisters Annette Dupas, Lea Thibert, Rose-Marie Delorme, Denise Manaigre, Juliette Delorme and Lynne Poirier; brothers-in-law Roger Dupas, Ed Thibert, Donat Delorme, Claude Poirier and Edouard Cure; and sister-in-law Doreen. Roland was born and raised in Winnipeg and spent most of his life in St. Boniface, growing up with a large close-knit family. He was a kind and generous man who was loyal and loved to help other people. Roland was a fun-loving guy and always up for a good time. He loved cracking jokes and playfully teasing his friends and family, never taking life too seriously nor worrying too much about tomorrow. He lived his life fully each day. More than anything, Roland loved his family deeply. When Roland met Lucille, he found the love of his life. Married in 1972, they were devoted to each other in love, loyalty and friendship. When Lucille was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2018, Roland dedicated his life to caring for her and making sure she was happy, safe and supported. Roland was so proud of his daughters and loved to spend time with them. He was an amazing grandpa to Avery and Ethan, often visiting on Sunday afternoons and watching their hockey games as their biggest fan. Roland spent most of his career as a driver, including many years delivering for the Winnipeg Hospital Laundry. Most recently, he drove for Adesa Auto Auctions where he formed great friendships with his fellow drivers and coworkers. Roland loved camping and his favourite place in the world was his trailer at Lilac Resort, building bonfires and spending time with his family. Roland loved to enter competitions, especially the Christmas in July site decorating contest at Lilac Resort. Roland's impressive display earned him the first place prize for the past two years. He also loved collecting and building Lego sets, quickly filling every corner of their small apartment. Roland loved watching sports, and he was an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Canadiens. He loved going to the Winnipeg Jets vs. Montreal Canadiens games every year with his nephew, Christopher, and he passed his love for the Canadiens down to his grandson, Ethan. That team pride will undoubtedly live on through those that love him. Roland was a great man and he deserved to have more time. We are heartbroken to see him go, but we also know that he would want us to be happy that he is at peace and in a better place. We extend our deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other staff who cared for Roland at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Health Sciences Centre, and Riverview Health Centre. We are eternally grateful for the opportunity to visit Roland in his final days and surround him with our love and support. In accordance with Roland’s wishes, cremation has taken place followed by a private family interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roland’s memory, and in consideration of his loving wife Lucille, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. He Only Takes the Best by Unknown God saw that he was getting tired, A cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer, And saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes “the best”.