Obituary of Duane Boutang

After passing suddenly while grooming trails, he leaves to mourn his wife Wanda, of 47 years, his children and their spouses, Marisa (Keir), Dayna (Grant) and Darren (Cheryl), grandchildren, Rory, Jesse, Jada, Gemma, Paige and Leah, his sister Donna, mother-in-law Reg, nieces and nephews, Randeen, Raimey, Mich, Tina and Trevor, and numerous close relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Lori and Shelly, brother Lyle, brother-in-law Bill, cousin Nevin, his parents and father-in-law.

Duane was born and raised in Vassar, MB, spending his early days on the local baseball diamond, helping his dad in the bush, and courting Wanda. He moved to Winnipeg at 17 to finish high school and then to attend Engineering at the University of Manitoba. The year he graduated he married Wanda and started at PFRA (Agriculture Canada), where he worked till his retirement. If you ever crossed paths with Duane you know he was a bit of a legend; known for his impatience, short fuse and complete inability to use technology; but he was always willing to lend a hand no matter the job. He was a devoted volunteer and dad who spent many years coaching his own kids and many others in baseball. After retiring, Duane moved back to Vassar to spend his time golfing, snowmobiling and doing every job imaginable at the local ball diamond, he even tried a stint in local politics serving as Reeve. His door was always open to visitors, but more importantly so was the beer fridge. He will be truly missed but we take solace knowing he will be keeping a close eye on us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Greendell Park Community Centre, 75 Woodlawn, Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vassar Community Centre (vassarreccentre@gmail.com) or the Southeast SnoRiders, 56 Frederick Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2M 1E5.