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Obituary of Denis LaPalme
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, brother and friend, Denis LaPalme, at the age of 54.
Denis is survived by his children, Robert and Brigitte, their mother, Laura, his sisters, Pauline (Reg) and Tania, his nephews, Colby and Reagan and his niece, Faith.
He was predeceased by his parents Germaine and Maurice LaPalme.
On the Air Force Base in Portage la Prairie on July 16, 1967, Denis blessed Maurice and Germaine with his arrival. He grew up in LaRochelle, Manitoba, alongside Pauline and Tania. As a child, he often found himself getting into all sorts of trouble, but due to his charming personality and cleverness, he always managed to come out of it relatively unscathed. Everyone who knew him, has a good story or two, and are probably laughing and/or shaking their heads as they tell it.
In 1986, Denis joined the Canadian Navy, and was stationed in Esquimalt BC. Through the navy, he travelled to many interesting places and even circumnavigated the Earth. He served for four years, specialising in communications, during which time he was deployed to the Gulf War, where his team spent seven months encouraging the embargo against Iraq. The war had a severe impact on him and was something that affected him in many ways, for the rest of his life.
In 1995, Denis met Laura, and together they brought two beautiful children into the world, Robert and Brigitte, whom he adored. After many struggles in civilian life, Denis was able to buy a piece of land out in the bush and live out his final years experiencing the calmness of nature he had so desperately been craving. Denis was a true philosopher, and although he had some deep existential questions about God and Life, he seemed to be more at peace, lately. He would find solace in watching and feeding the wild animals on his property, fishing, and relaxing by the fire. He loved his children very much and was happy to be reconnecting with them as young adults.
Denis, you were handsome, charming, funny, protective, and a great conversationalist. You were loved, and you are missed by many. We find peace in knowing that you are reunited with mom and dad. May your questions finally be answered, and may your soul know eternal peace. Xo
Keep smiling, brother!
We would like to thank his friends and neighbours who were always looking out for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Poppy Campaign at www.legion.ca/donate or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Funeral services will be held for Denis and Germaine on Monday, May 30, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Sacré Coeur Church, 421 Brandon Ave, Winnipeg, MB.
To view the slideshow click HERE.
Desiderata
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
