LUCIEN (LOU) JOSEPH ALCIDE BRODEUR

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Dad and Grandpa, Lucien (Lou) Brodeur on February 5, 2026. Lou is survived by his daughters, Karen Brodeur-Trotter (Sean), Cheryl Pilek (Russell) and Loralei Douglas (Murray); his grandsons, Keenan, Aidan (Emma), Owen, Thomas and his granddaughter Cailin (TJ); siblings, Laurette Marentette (Don), Lucille Conrad (Don); as well as many special nieces and nephews. Lou was pre-deceased by his loving wife and soulmate of 63 years Marilyn Brodeur (née Moffat); his parents, Lucie Marchand (Al) and Dollard Brodeur; as well as his sister Solange Aubry, brother-in-law Ben Aubry, his brother Roger Brodeur and sister-in-law Vimy.

Dad was born in Mariapolis, Manitoba. He moved to Winnipeg at a young age and attended Provencher School and St. Boniface College. He excelled in school and all sports. He spent summers in Mariapolis helping his grandfather on the farm. Once he graduated from high school, he started his career at Canadian National Railways where he met Mom in 1958. Mom and Dad fell in love and were married at St. Boniface Cathedral on November 11, 1961. They lived in St Boniface and St Vital, before moving to Transcona. Neighbours became great friends who Mom and Dad loved to vacation with.

Dad had a very accomplished career. He was entrepreneurial and formed a partnership to create a new restaurant supply company in Winnipeg (Western). The bulk of his career was spent at Russell Food Equipment, where he worked his way up to Manager. He became a leader who supported branches in eastern Canada. Dad and the family transferred to Toronto for 2 years (1974-76) but were happy to return back home to Winnipeg and extended family. After a successful career at Russell’s, he retired in 1988 to be his own boss again. He created Brodeur Agencies and became an independent sales rep in the restaurant supply industry. He was well liked and respected and did this work for 17 years. At age 66, he was ready for more change. He sold his business and worked with a friend for 5 summers doing handy-man work and building around the Traverse Bay/Victoria Beach area. Mom and Dad made many friends at Victoria Beach Seniors Scene, where Dad curled in the winter. When it was time to move back to the city, they made a home and more friends at Villa Beliveau, where they lived for over 10 years. Mom & Dad also wintered many years in Arizona and then many more in Texas, where they made amazing friends at La Floresta in Mercedes, TX . Mom and Dad will be fondly remembered by many.

Mom and Dad built a beautiful life together and had three girls, who were his greatest pride. We are grateful that he was very progressive, and helped raise three strong, successful, independent women. Family was always important to Dad. The early years were spent travelling around Manitoba campgrounds and having amazing vacations with our extended family. We settled at a permanent campsite in St Malo for a few years and created amazing memories with the Brodeur clan. Evenings were spent around a roaring campfire with laughing, singing, harmonica, accordion and spoons. Next, Mom & Dad bought a treed lot at Traverse Bay and built themselves a beautiful cottage, which they later expanded to become their home. At the cabin there were many special times that we will forever treasure.

Dad loved sports and was a devoted Blue Bomber and Jets (v1) fan. He also enjoyed watching golf, tennis and curling. He was a talented athlete who played lacrosse as a young man. He was an avid golfer, and loved bowling, curling, floor hockey, horseshoes, pool, ping pong and many other activities.

Dad was a truly talented individual, who was self-taught in endless ways. He learned music by ear and was an amazing accordion player. He liked to experiment with other instruments, which he was able to pick up and quickly play a tune. He developed excellent skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. He acquired an abandoned and dilapidated 1949 Pontiac Silver Streak from a farmer’s field and spent many winters restoring the car to pristine condition. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening with Mom. He loved music and was often puttering in the garage with the radio on, happily whistling while working on his car, cutting wood and building whatever the project of the day was. In his retirement he became an excellent wood carver. Among his many carvings were his beautiful wood spirit carvings, all of which will be forever treasured by his family. He had an amazing sense of humour and loved to joke around. Our friends loved spending time in our home, especially for a Brodeur Coffee on Christmas Eve.

Dad was the kindest man, a true gentleman. He loved to laugh, play music and had a talent and passion for building and fixing things. He gave generously of his time whenever help was needed with renovations at his daughters’ homes. Dad loved his grandchildren and was there for all the important moments such as birthday parties, school concerts, recitals and sports games. He loved having the grandkids over to spend time with Mom and Dad in their home. At Traverse Bay, he built a play structure and bunk beds in the family cabin so that there was room for everyone and fun for all. He even built a screened-in above ground pool, complete with decking for the warm Manitoba summers. Dad loved to play cards, horseshoes and golf which became regular activities at the cabin.

Dad was devoted to Mom and cared for her when her health declined. While it was very challenging, he was committed to Mom and to helping her through it all. They modelled what it means to be caring, loving and respectful. They taught us the true meaning of commitment and love. Dad was often a man of few words, but he was always willing to listen. He was a loving dad and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Dad, as you often said to us, “You are an exceptional individual!”. We miss you dearly already, but we take great comfort in knowing that you and Mom are reunited and back together as was meant to be, dancing and watching over your family. We love you, and you are forever in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the staff at Action Marguerite St Vital, as well as Dad’s companions who became part of our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society.

The Man We Called Dad

Author Unknown

He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went along quietly working

for the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

And most of the time his worries

Went unspoken too.

He was there....A firm foundation

Through all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold on to

In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to

When times were good or bad

One of our greatest blessings

The man that we called Dad.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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