Jean-Paul Pelland

1949 ~ 2014

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Paul on March 17, 2014 at S.M.H.C.  He endured an agonizing struggle with Alzheimer’s with dignity and strength for many years.

Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife jean, his son Jeremy and daughter Brieanne, his brothers Henri (Irene), Armand (Helen), and Maurice (Delores), his sisters Lucille (Denis), Terri and Aline (Gilbert), brother in-law Claude, sister in-law Roberta (Les), nephew Scott (Lauren) and great nephew Aaron, his mother in-law Mary MacLeod and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Georgianna, sister Jackie and infant brother Bertrand, his father in-law Cece and his precious niece Lisa.

Paul was born in Pine Falls and grew up in Powerview until he married the love of his life Jean and moved to Pine Falls where together they raised their wonderful children.

Paul worked as a proud papermaker at the paper mill in Pine Falls from 1969-2005 when his illness forced him to take an early retirement.  During those years, he served on the union executive as president and vice president and also worked with the pension board.

In 1975, Paul found AA and had nearly 39 years of sobriety.  During those year he helped so many people on their road to recovery.  He helped establish an EAP program for all mill employees for which he was very proud.  It was an honor for him to show others the way.

Paul loved to laugh, tell jokes, sing and play guitar.  He loved the outdoors and spent many hours playing baseball as a young man, golfing, hunting “chickens” and most of all fishing in his boat on the Winnipeg River.  His heart was at the beach and he enjoyed the many summers he spent at the cottage at Lester Beach with his family, swimming, playing Frisbee and riding the 4 wheeler.

Above all Paul loved his family.  He treasured the moments he spent with Jean, whether on a simple walk holding hands or on an adventure in a faraway place.  His children Jeremy and Brieanne were his whole life.  He loved them unconditionally and was so proud of them.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff on Area 8 at S.M.H.C. for their tenderness and compassion shown to Paul during the time he spent with them.  They are all angels of mercy, and to Dr. Komosky for being so diligent in making sure that Paul was as comfortable as he could be during his final days.

This very difficult time was made a little easier by the love and support shown to our family by Roberta and Les, Brian and Val, and Andrea and Art.  We can never thank you enough.

A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at the Notre Dame du Laus Roman Catholic Church in Powerview, MB on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. James Gray officiating.

Unfortunately,  donations to Alcoholics Anonymous can only be submitted by members, therefore, if one is so inclined, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choosing.

A verse that was so meaningful to Paul, that many years ago he requested it be a part of his final farewell:

Oh, I know the sound the river makes,

By dawn, by night, by day,

And it will stay with me through tomorrow,

That finds me far away.

Be free beloved, suffer no more.

God has finally given you rest

and taken you home.

“Our love is Evergreen.”

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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