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John Tessier

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JOHN RENE TESSIER

John Rene Tessier, son, brother, uncle and friend passed quietly on Tuesday , June 25, 2019 at his residence in Winnipeg. Often called John by more recent acquaintances but always “Rene” to family & old friends, was born in Carberry Manitoba in 1954. 

 

He is survived by his father Jack, step-mom Els, as well as his sisters and brothers-in-law; Denise (Glenn), Yvonne (Wayne), Lois (James), Allyson, and brother, Michael. Uncle Rene is also loved and remembered by nephews and nieces; Noah, David, Katie, Matthew, Liz, Anna, Paul, John, Beth, Sara and Shaun. He will also be missed by the extended family including his Auntie Barb, cousins, the Temmerman family, as well as his long time friend Roscoe and "Quick", the household dog. Rene is predeceased by his mom, Norma, his step brother, John Temmerman and his good friend, Ralph.

Rene was raised in the prairie towns of southern Manitoba. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, swimming in the Pembina River, skiing, fishing and hunting with his good friends. Nothing pleased him more than sitting down to a hard-won venison steak with his mom's pin cherry glaze. In his younger years, he worked at farming and with the CNR as a Building and Bridges supervisor. Possessed of a tender and generous heart, Rene had personable ways and always a willingness to pitch in while doing an A1 job. Over the years, he helped with many renovations and was skilled in building, landscaping and gardening. Being a natural cook, Rene also gravitated to the kitchen. In the fall he might whip up a delicious roaster of cabbage rolls when extra-large cabbages were in from the farms. He especially enjoyed cooking Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners for the household. A comical storyteller when the mood was right, Rene was an adept mimic with a wry sense of humour. He held our rapt attention pantomiming his observations of daily life and sometimes kept us in stitches round the kitchen table. A favorite hobby of Rene's was his reading which was wide and varied. With ever a curious mind, he enjoyed discussing numerous subjects and current affairs. Rene was always game to head down to the Sal's for coffee, a burger and conversation. His nieces and nephews had a special place in his thoughts. He expressed an earnest desire for the well-being and success of each one. He had a love for animals too. On his very last "good"day, Rene went to get medicine for his four-legged pal, little "Quick". As it does for some of us in particular, for Rene, life presented deep struggles. He met these with a quiet and private dignity. He is truly loved and missed.

Following Rene’s wishes no formal service is planned however friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories, memories, and condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.


“The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.”  -from the Big Book.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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John Louis Tessier

July 3, 2019 at 9:47 PM

One of my favorite memories of uncle Rene was fishing for jackfish at the La Revere, Pembina River. I remember asking uncle Rene if we could go fishing that morning, so he went and found a rod and some jack spoons then we went. The river was lower that time of year and I got a snag in the reeds at the other side. So I said I guess I'll have to break the line but uncle said no I'll swim across and unhook it for you. To my surprise he swam right across, unhooked the spoon and swam back. We kept all our tackle that day. Uncle Rene was a very nice uncle. - John L Tessier

Sheri Caithness

July 3, 2019 at 12:06 AM

My deepest condolences to all of Rene's family and friends.  Unfortunately I didn't get to know Rene all that well but I am grateful to have had this last opportunity to spend some time with him at Auntie Barb's.  A fond memory.  Rest well and be at peace Rene.  Love your cousin, Sheri

Maryanne

June 30, 2019 at 5:32 PM

I would like all of you to know I am thinking of you. Rene and I had not communicated for several decades; however, as I read his obituary, I was struck by how it captured the essence of the person whom I remember. Even as a very young man, he had a deep respect for, and love of, nature. In the time I knew him, he came to the rescue of many cats, dogs and even a muskrat! He could throw together a killer pot of baked beans! The friend of my childhood and early youth did indeed have a generous heart. He was one of the most unjudgmental people I have ever known. The love he felt for you, his family, and for his then friends, was always unconditional. Without being aware of it, I am guessing that in his quiet and unassuming way, he brought about positive change during his lifetime. Kindness is contagious, and has a ripple effect. I hope that in his later life, he found the peace of which he was so deserving.

Maryanne

June 30, 2019 at 5:21 PM

Greg Currie

June 30, 2019 at 4:18 PM

It was the summer of 78 and Manitoba was part of s beer strike which wasn’t going to end soon. I was 16 and Rene was working for a local farmer and about 8 years older than I.   Rene Through his brother Mike had gotten myself and another friend Don to help him stack square hay bales in a loft on the Brown farm.  It was hard, hot and gruellingly work but us three 16 year olds and Rene kept up to the bale picker over the week.  On the last load coming in Farmer Brown was honking his horn and waving his hands saying the strike was over.... I’m not sure where he had gotten that ice cold beer that accompanied the last load of bales but I can tell you it was one of the best I have tasted. I didn’t know Rene well as he was just the older brother to good friend of mine but when I heard of his passing this memory came back like yesterday. Condolences to the Tessier Family Greg Currie

Margie Anderson

June 30, 2019 at 12:51 PM

My sincere condolences to all of you. Love Margie Anderson

Allyson Tessier

June 30, 2019 at 9:13 AM

I think life is hardest on first children, because everyone is learning their lessons for the first time. But in the end maybe it is like when Peter said to Jesus surely this thing should not happen to you....some people are naturally positioned to be good sheperds. I'm thankful to my brother for all his kindnesses through the years. Allyson

Scot Caithness

June 29, 2019 at 11:01 AM

Heartfelt condolences from all the Caithness Clan. What a wonderful tribute you have written to him. We did not really know Rene in recent years so it warms our hearts to read your thoughtful rendition.  We wish you strength in the difficult days ahead. Love from Scot, Leslie, Alex and Jamie. 

Trudie Carrier

June 28, 2019 at 6:59 PM

Jack & Family:  I am so sorry to learn of Rene's passing.  Thinking of you all at this time.  Trudie, (Rene's first cousin, 1X removed).
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