It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to husband, father, grandfather and friend, René Fernand Duchesne, at the age of 76 on Thursday, May 10, 2018.
René will be lovingly remembered by his wife Donna of 52 years, his daughter Shelly (Todd), son Kevin (Jodi) and precious grandchildren Lauren, Jaden, Alexander and Adrian. René will also be forever remembered by his sister Carol and brother Larry (Catherine) along with nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Predeceased by his parents Chris and Fern.
René was a kind, loving and gentle man born in Timmins, Ontario in 1941. He made his way to Alberta as a young boy with his family, later meeting Donna, his loving wife. Knowing no limit to hard work and long hours René spent 35 years as a Mac Tool Salesman earning top awards while always managing to put his family first. With Donna, René raised his children to enjoy time with family and to live life to its fullest.
The simplest things in life made René the happiest. He was always there to lend a helping hand, share his expertise and bring joy to others. With the greatest memories centered around the lake René spent hours entertaining and bringing laughter to children and adults alike–semicolon– tubing, skiing and cruises on the party raft, rounded out by games, happy hour and evenings by the fire.
Please join us celebrating René’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of René to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 5214 Calgary Trail NW suite 144, Centre 104 Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8
or The Humane Society, 13620 – 163 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 0B2
David Loukes says
Donna & family: on behalf of Silveridge Men’s Billiards, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to you all on your loss. Rene was a wonderful person and we very much enjoyed his fellowship in the pool room at Silveridge. He will be greatly missed.
On a personal level, I always enjoyed meeting Rene whether in the pool room or elsewhere. He always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to be around. I’m saddened by his passing.
Sue Fouche says
I just want to say how sorry Wes and I were to here of Renee’s passing. He WAS a kind, loving and gentle man and I loved watching the two of you at Silveridge in Arizona, especially playing billiards. He will surely be missed there by many. Take care and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and that we will be with you in spirit on May 17, 2018 Hugs to all of you…
Mona Jolivette says
My deepest condolence to my dear friend Donna and the family. We had many happy times with the family at Seba Beach for over 20 years. We have also spent fun times in Phoenix over the past years. R.I.P. my dear friend.
Mona and Louis Jolivette
Kristy McConnell says
Oh Shelly, what an absolutely beautiful obituary. I really got a sense of who he was, and how he influenced you as a person as it’s clear you have many of the same qualities. I hope the next few days go okay.
Dee Rich says
Sending sincere condolences to the loving Family (and friends) of Rene’ Duchesne. Losing a loved one is difficult. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the joyful times you’ve shared. May you also find strength in the comforting words found at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.