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Eugène Pantel

Image by Nick Andréka

EUGÈNE CAMILE PANTEL

March 12, 1938 - May 10, 2024

Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Eugène passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his parents, Germain and Jeanne (nee Touchette) and his brothers Rene and Alfred. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley (nee Scott), daughters Nicole (Kathy), Renee Ritchot (Rob), and Suzie Sanderson (George), as well as grandchildren Kayley (Adam), Teagan (Devyn), Tristan (Arianna), and Max. Also left to mourn are his cherished cousins, many friends and coworkers.


Eugène (known by many as “Yogi”), was born on March 12, 1938 and raised in the town of Notre Dame de Lourdes, where he remained until he was 16 years old. At that time, the family moved from the farm to reside in Winnipeg, where he then started work in various machine shops, developing his passion for anything mechanical. 


Eugène met the love of his life Shirley when friends arranged for them to meet on a blind date. Sparks flew immediately, despite the fact that Dad didn’t speak a word of English and Mom did not speak French. They fell in love, married shortly after and together raised 3 daughters. Mom and Dad celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last summer. 


Dad was employed at Continental Can, where he remained for 30 years until his retirement at age 57. There, he made many lifelong friends. On top of his regular work week, Dad spent many hours in his beloved garage, working on the cars of relatives and friends.


Dad developed many interests over the years, which included listening to old country and classic tunes, wood working, picking berries and fishing. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years and volunteered at the Festival du Voyageur. He had a great love of the outdoors, which led to him becoming a lifelong and then honorary member of the Heather Game and Fish Association in Lac du Bonnet, where he purchased a mobile home and enjoyed weekends and vacations with family and friends for almost 40 years. There was no other place he would rather be, whether he was relaxing or fixing something for someone (including boats, lawnmowers or anything with a motor). Dad also experienced some enjoyable travel, which included Niagara Falls and Disney World to celebrate milestone anniversaries. One of his most memorable trips was when he and Shirley went to France along with over 20 members of the Pantel family, paying homage to where his grandparents were from.


Dad was a quiet man of few words, but when he did talk, people listened. He was well respected by all who knew him and was a friend to many. One of his greatest joys in life was becoming a grandfather and he enjoyed spending time with them as well as the rest of the family. Rest in peace Dad, knowing you were loved beyond measure. You’ve left a remarkable impression on all those you met. You are no longer in pain; until we meet again.


A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 774 Archibald St. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial with be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please go check your oil and the tire pressure on your car. Dad would want that.


Eugène’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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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Denis Tarko

May 24, 2024 at 12:13 PM

All my condolences to family membres and family. Toutes mes condoléances aux membres de famille et amis. Cousin Denis Tarko

Cecile Jones

May 22, 2024 at 10:05 PM

Our moms are sisters. They were close so we visited fairly often. My oldest sister & brother, Raymonde & Léo, were close in age to Eugène so they hung out a lot. I can't say that I remember any specific visits when we were young but I do remember that I was always happy to see him. Being so much younger, I probably was just a pest, yet, all I remember is his smile. I moved away when I was nineteen & only saw him a few times after that, but he still had that wonderful smile that makes you feel so welcome & warm inside...just happy to be there. I'm sure that Eugène has brought much gentle peace to many other souls that he touched here on earth & is continuing to do so in heaven.

Our condolences to all those who love him & miss him, especially Shirley & the whole family.

Dave & Cécile Jones

Raymond Chikowski

May 21, 2024 at 9:25 PM

In the last comment I sent its talked highly of family and friends darn key board.

Raymond Chikowski

May 21, 2024 at 9:18 PM

Hi I worked with Yogi for lots of years at Continnatal Can he was a great person to work with ,a few of us went to his trailer in Lac du Bonnet fishing had lots of great times

He was a wonderful person and he respected his friends and family he always talked lightly of his family R.I.P. buddy.

Normand Boisvert

May 20, 2024 at 12:53 AM

Please accept our sympathies. We will remember him at the Pantel breakfasts and also at the Pantel Centennial in Lourdes in 1991. (See photo). He was uch a nice person.

A distant cousin.

Denise Labossiere

May 19, 2024 at 3:23 AM

Uncle "Gene" was my favourite uncle and I will miss him very much.

My condolences to Auntie Shirley and my cousins Suzie, Renee and Nicole.

Elaine Chouinard

May 18, 2024 at 4:01 PM

Yogi was a longtime loyal and trusted friend of my father, Denis Chouinard. They shared many adventures outdoors. As I think back, I remember all the laughter ... laughing until Yogi was red in the face. My sincere condolences to all the family.

Marc Bazin

May 18, 2024 at 3:42 PM

An old school friend in Notre Dame ! ! ! RIP Eugene.

 

Lorrie benson

May 18, 2024 at 2:34 AM

Our sincere condolences to Shirley and family,will always remember Eugene's french accent, and his little laugh, Dale and I were very happy to have u and Shirley attend our wedding back in 2004, it is a great memorie to have. Until we meet again.

George Thibodeau

May 17, 2024 at 12:50 PM

I have so many wonderfull memories of your family visits to Piney. Eugene's French accent and his laugh will stay with us. He allways made me feel welcome and was giving of his time and talents. Of course I remember many car projects including the Model A, a 55 Chevy and a 61 Pontiac among others. I enjoyed parts hunting along the southeast backroads with him and dad and Harvey. Eugene and Shirley are a class act in my life and I am grateful. Rest in love Yogi!

Jeff Thibodeau

May 16, 2024 at 1:31 AM

Wow

So sorry to hear that

  • My condolences go out to you and all who knew him and loved him

Sheryle Garant

May 16, 2024 at 1:20 AM

The last time I seen Eugene and Shirley was at my sister Andrea's Celebration of Life on January 18, 2020. Both Eugene and Shirley always paid their respects to all of my family members that passed way too soon. Rest in peace kind and gentle Eugene.

Tracy Elbourne

May 15, 2024 at 11:18 PM

Sincere condolences to you and your family Nicole.

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