Obituary of Roger David Joseph Demeule

At the age of 80 years old Roger passed away after a brief illness. He leaves his loving wife and best friend Lynne of 58 years; their three children Michelle (Kevin) Wall, Denise (John) Frigon and David (Marcia) and their families. 

Roger was born in St. Boniface, MB in 1941 to Adelard (Frenchy) Demeule and Alice (Paul). He is predeceased by his parents, three older brothers and two sisters, Margaret, Armand, Fred, John and Lorraine; and his God daughter Linda Demeule. Roger leaves to mourn his remaining siblings Theresa, Andy (Irma), Dennis and Jeanette (Alan) Ward and his in-laws Ron Trapp, Judy (Walter) Hersey, Lauren Smith, Daniel (Jody) Neal, Maureen (Lyle) Robinson, Melanie (John) Fassler, Roy Barrows, Sonia Fong and our forever aunt Diane (Mel) Holley; along with many nieces and nephews whom he cared for.

Roger was deeply committed to his family and there was nothing more important to him, making him a favourite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Roger spent his career in sales and was a salesperson extraordinaire who worked for different employers over the years and travelled extensively throughout British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan meeting new people along the way. 

Roger loved sports and particularly the Saskatchewan Roughriders (unless they played Winnipeg) going to many games at Taylor Field. He also loved cheering on the Winnipeg Jets when they returned to Canada. You would need to be very brave if you attempted to walk in front of the TV and block his view when these teams were playing.

After retiring, Roger and Lynne were able to travel and they travelled many places with His brother-in-law Dan and his wife Jody. They enjoyed Hawaii, San Diego, Mexico and a real thrill for Roger was to go to the Smithsonian Museums with Dan, making sure to read every plaque he could find. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Roger and Lynne went on an Alaskan cruise and loved every moment of that adventure and talked about it often.

His name was Roger to many, but for three of us, he was called Dad. Dad taught us to ride our bikes, came to our school concerts to cheer us on as we sang off key, taught us to mow the lawn and rake the leaves. He taught us how to respect our mom, leading by example. Growing up we went on summer holidays every year camping and laughing at all our misadventures along the way. He taught us how to work hard and not give up when things got tough. Dad taught us to do good things for others and to not expect anything in return. He taught us how to show compassion to others and to each other. Dad tried to teach us how to fix things, sometimes he could, other times, he taught how to use the yellow pages to find the person who could. 

Roger was called grandpa by Andrea, Michael, Alyssa and Cameron, and by Ben and Erika Sevigny and their families, whom he was thrilled to be considered their Grandpa. He was so proud of each of them and cared deeply for each of them as young people navigating through life. Dad was their cheerleader, their coach giving advice and their shoulder when they needed one to cry on. He did not judge them, he simply loved them. 

He considered himself to be so lucky to have been blessed with 5 great grandchildren Savaya, Greyden, Tristin, Isiah, Keira, whom he spoiled as much as he could with big hugs and kisses. Sadly he will not be here to meet his next little one who is due to arrive in mid-September. 

Roger loved to laugh and to share jokes. His laugh was contagious, he could laugh at himself and taught his family to do the same. 

The house is quiet now and we are hurting, but we are comforted knowing that Dad is with us in spirit. He provided so many happy memories that puts a smile on our face. We are so grateful that he is no longer in pain and very grateful to the staff at the Pasqua hospital who provided such compassion and made his final days comfortable.