Lionel Bouvier

Bouvier, Lionel - October 5, 1931 - May 22, 2020, entered eternal rest at Crocus Personal Care Home, Roblin at the age of 88 years.

Lionel was the 3^rd born to Leon & May Bouvier (nee Carriere). He had four sisters, Anita, Freda, Micky and Susie and three brothers Hector, Maurice and Alva.  Lionel attended school at the Walker School, but he never really enjoyed going to school, he found it too confining. He had many chores to do in those days but when he found time, he could be found riding his favourite bay mare Queenie.

 Lionel’s 1^st jobs were as a farmhand and a construction labourer. He was known as a hard worker, as well as for his ability to operate a grader. He was even still being recruited long into his retirement. Lionel also worked in the Columbia ice fields in Alberta, until the summer before his marriage to Beatrice Larocque, on Nov. 23 1955. Together, they purchased property on the original Walker School grounds, here they made their home and raised their family.  All just 200 yards from where Lionel was born, raised as a child and attended school. As Lionel worked the bulk of his life in construction, he had a few personal highlights, he helped build the Assiniboia Downs Race Track in 1957, helped build the Shellmouth Dam as well as many highways in Manitoba and Saskatchewan through out his life. Lionel was an entrepreneur at heart, building his own trucking company which included hauling trailers, logs and gravel depending on the season. So, the next time your driving down the highway or in a construction zone make sure you take a minute and think of Lionel. 

His love for horses never diminished throughout his life. He was an accomplished teamster and enjoyed driving his team of horses Tom and Bob. Even in his final years of life, he could recall things about his horses like it was yesterday, a true passion of his. His love for his family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of great pride.  All his grandchildren have a memorable story of fishing, horseback riding, wagon rides or just a ride into town, that they will never forget. Lionel's grandchildren say, grandpa was sure to put on your face, with a joke or just a good laugh. Later in life, you would always see his face light upon seeing his great grandchildren. Lionel’s Métis heritage was also a source of great pride and he was an elder in the San Clara Local for the Manitoba Métis Federation.  A passion that was later adopted by his sons and his grandchildren, especially his grandson Reid.

Lionel is survived by his devoted, loving wife Beatrice, son Garland (Veronica), son Wayne (Keni-Lynn), Ken (Laurie), grandchildren: Danny, Brandie (Lonnie), Charmaine and (Chris), Reid and (Janelle), Brady, Shandie and (Kyle), Mariah, Zach and (Molly), great-Grandchildren: Denae, Ashton, Dailey, Tenley, Louie and Myles.

Lionel was predeceased by his parents Leon and May; son Rodney; great grand-daughter Grace; brothers Hector and Maurice; sisters Mickey and Freda.

Mass of Christian Burial was held May 26, 2020 from Ste. Clarie’s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, San Clara with Fr. Soosai Antoniyar (Fr. Tony) officiating. Interment followed at Ste. Clarie’s Parish Cemetery. Those who so desire, may make memorial contributions to the Ste. Claire Cemetery Fund or The Roblin Community Foundation - directed towards Crocus Court Personal Care Home, in memory of Lionel. For more information or to leave a note of condolence for the family, please visit NairnChyzWolkowski.ca