Raymond Joseph Denechezhe

 The room went silent, and our hearts broke.  Surrounded by the love of his family, Raymond Denechezhe, aged 63 passed away peacefully, on May 11, 2022.

Raymond was born in Prince Alberta Saskatchewan but spent most of his youth and young adult life in the wilderness of Northern Manitoba.  He was an experienced hunter and trapper and incredibly skilled outdoorsman who loved to travel across frozen lakes and eskers in the deep of winter or spend long days out on the lake when the sun shone till midnight.  He was also passionate about fishing and spent his summers guiding tourists, mainly at Neultin Lake Treeline Lodge, Manitoba.  He loved Neultin and spoke of it often, he felt connected to the untouched beauty of the land and always wanted to return there when he retired.

In the mid 80s he married his wife of 37 years.  Their travels took them from Lac Brochet to Winnipeg.  Here Raymond would continue to enjoy his passions returning to Treeline and Lac Brochet when he could. He was blessed with a close connection to his family and many friends who visited frequently from the North.  He enjoyed travelling and covered much of Canada visiting Blanche’s family to the west and his good friend Libby to the East.  His travels took him from the Yukon and into Montreal where he enjoyed the culture and adventure of seeing new sites and meeting new people.  He made several trips into the States and enjoyed a trip to the Mayan Riviera which he loved.

Raymond was happiest spending time with those he loved.  He enjoyed the simple acts of life, watching a hockey game, sitting outside around a fire, sharing a meal, chatting, and joking, cutting the grass, playing some slots, visiting his friends from near and far.  He spent many happy hours with his good friends Modest and (late) Jack in particular.  He had a wonderful sense of humour and brought happiness to those who knew him.  He will be missed!

Raymond loved his children and was actively involved in raising them.  He could make a bottle or change a diaper in no time flat.  He always wanted the very best for them, but as children do, they grew up and needed him less.  His was thrilled to welcome the next generation and enjoyed every minute spent with his grandchildren.  He loved the spark of joy and life they ignited in our home and couldn’t wait for them to visit.  He spent hours with them playing in and out of the house, taking them for walks, to the park, on little road trips or to local amusement centres.  He loved spending special days like birthdays and Christmas with them and watching the world through the amazement of their eyes.  He felt blessed that they called him Poppa and always wanted to be at Poppa’s house.

Raymond leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Blanche; his children Monica (Blair), Alannah, and twins, Braydon and Quinton; and his grandchildren Kayden, Parker, Athena, Surrey, Tristan, Sage and especially Carson.  He will also be sadly missed by his brothers Moise and Napoleon (Louise); and sister Angele (Pierre); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that held special places in his heart! He will also be missed by his two furry friends Tennessee and Ruth. 

 He was predeceased by his parents Modest and Angelique; brothers Ovide, Fred, and Allen; sisters Cecilia, and Mary Jane; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Children’s Hospital of your choosing.

Wake Service will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 7pm to 10 pm at Eternal Grace Funerals. 

Service will follow on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 12 noon at Kateri Catholic Church (corner of Flora Ave and King St).

Interment at Brookside Cemetery.

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