Rene Joseph Paquette Brockville, Ontario Obituary

Rene Joseph Paquette

<p>~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p><br></p><p>Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 at the age of 94. Rene was born on December 16, 1925 to Aurore (Racine) and Joseph Paquette in Plantagenet, Ontario - the 13th of 14 children. Beloved husband of the late Helen Paquette (2011). Loving father to Carol Bunt (Allan), Lynda Paul (John), Gail Paquette (Roger Warner), and Brenda Cowan (Chris). Cherished grandfather “Poppa” to Jacqueline Smith, Angie Witham (Ryan), Michelle Geraghty (Shemus), Mandy Durant (Peter), Emma, Ady, and Liam Floyd, Sophie and Aidan Cowan; great grandfather to Conor, Ainsley, Kalen, Jackson, Caitlin and Chloe. Predeceased by his parents as well as eight brothers and five sisters.</p><p><br></p><p>Rene was an avid hockey fan and always enjoyed watching his team, the Montreal Canadiens in action. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer and, with his wife Helen, started a local ballroom dance club which they ran for several years. Rene was very active with Alcoholics Anonymous and was very proud and thankful for his 45+ years of sobriety; he was dedicated to helping many recovering alcoholics along the way. He loved getting together for coffee with family and friends for a chat and a few laughs. Rene enjoyed talking about the old days - growing up on a farm, drinking milk straight from a cow, joining the army in WW2, working in the tobacco fields - so many stories often ending with his hearty laugh. He was a kind, generous man who lived life to the fullest and was always ready with a helping hand. Rene will be greatly missed by all who knew him.</p><p><br></p><p>A private family gathering and celebration of Rene’s life will be held at the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland at a later date. As expressions of sympathy in Rene’s memory, donations to the Salvation Army, War Amps or the Alzheimer Society will be gratefully acknowledged. </p><p><br></p><p>Condolences and stories may be shared on the memory wall above. If you wish to leave a video condolence, click on the white box and on option for that will appear. </p><p><br></p><p>~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p><br></p><p>For donations to the Salvation Army, please, use the link below </p><p>For donations to the War Amps, please, visit https://www.waramps.ca</p><p>For donations to the Alzheimer Society, please, visit alzheimer.ca</p><p><br></p><p>If you wish to have the War Amps or Alzheimer Society send a notification to the family and you do not have the family’s contact information, please, have it sent to the funeral home at admin@irvinememorial.com or 4 James Street East, Brockville ON, K6V 1J9. Thank you</p><p><br></p><p>~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
December 16, 1925 - March 24, 202012/16/192503/24/2020
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l
lyndapaul2009@hotmail.com
April 23, 2020
M
Michele Cook-Gianias
April 1, 2020
Sincerest Condolences
Rene was a truly kind heart and wonderful man.
He made my Grandma Helen's life fuller as they danced through life together.
I'm sure he will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Michele
1 comment
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Brenda Cowan
November 8, 2022
Thanks so much Michelle. Helen made his life fuller too and together they got to do a lot of things they loved. It's nice to know he meant so much to so many.
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Ruth Cornwell
March 31, 2020
Dear Carol, Lynda, Gail and Brenda
I was so saddened to hear about Rene’s passing. I have so many good memories of the times we spent together. I could go on forever recounting some of the good times we had, but most special was when he walked me down the aisle. I was...
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1 comment
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Brenda Cowan
November 8, 2022
Thank you so much Ruth for the heartfelt message and sharing how much my Dad meant to you. I forgot that Dad walked you down the aisle...what a special memory...I'm sure he was so honoured to do it. We will miss him so much but we have all these great memories that he wil... Continue Reading
b
brendarcowan@gmail.com
March 28, 2020
B
Bob Van Helden
March 27, 2020

I have known Rene for many years going back to when he worked part time at the man. and the Grant. Then when I joined the program he and I had many extended conversations at the Tim Horton's on King Street. Through his many words of wisdom I was able to maintain sobr...
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Lynda Paul
November 8, 2022
Thank you. His words will forever me in my heart. Your memories describe his greatness.
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Lynda Paul
November 8, 2022
Thank you. His words will forever me in my heart. Your memories describe his greatness.
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Estelle Guertin street
March 27, 2020
Rene and Helen were my neighbours on Kingston Cres in Prescott, very good people and great neighbours. Always a cheerful hello and saw him while shopping occasionally in Brockville after he moved when Helen passed. He was a very happy pleasant person and will be missed b... Continue Reading
2 comments
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Lynda Paul
November 8, 2022
Thank you for your kind words and beautiful memories❤️
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Brenda Paquette-Cowan
November 8, 2022
Thank you for sharing your memories of my Dad. We miss him so much.
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Aileen Rossetti
March 27, 2020
Dear Carol, Lynda and Brenda

We are truly saddened to hear the passing of your father
He was very close and dear to our family, he was always there for us
Your in our prayers during this most difficult time

Willie’s girls Debbie Empey and Aileen Rossetti
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Carol Bunt
November 8, 2022
So nice to hear from you, Aileen. Thank you for your kind words. You and your family were a big part of his life for a long time and I know you were all very dear to him. We will miss him.
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Brenda Paquette-Cowan
November 8, 2022
Thank you Aileen and Debbie for thinking of us and sending your condolences. Dad was a very special man and he loved to help others. I know you and your family were all very dear to him too. We love and miss him so much.
D
Doug Monteith
March 27, 2020
To Rene family
Thinking of you all especially Lynda and John at this time of loss. Rene was a great friend to many people for he liked the young and the old and the ones in between. He helped a lot of friends along his life and he will be missed by his family and many w...
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2 comments
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Lynda Paul
November 8, 2022
Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words. He has left us all a legacy. He is so missed. He was a compassionate, loving man.
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Brenda Paquette-Cowan
November 8, 2022
Thank you so much. Dad's family and friends meant the world to him and it so nice to hear from everyone. We miss him too.
A
Aileen Rossetti
March 26, 2020
Dear Gail
So sorry for the passing of your father
We did not know you as well as your sisters growing up
But be assured that are prayers and deeps sympathy are with you now

Willie’s girls Debbie Empey and Aileen Rossetti

Willie’s girls Debbie Empey and Aileen Rosse...
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