Obituary of Conrad Ducharme

Conrad Nazaire Clovis Ducharme of Assiniboia, SK passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 24, 2018, at the age of 96 years. Conrad was born on July 1, 1922, at the family homestead near St. Victor, to Siméon and Eugénie (nee Légaré) Ducharme. Growing up in a family of ten children, Conrad was in charge of housework and cooking meals for the family. He was an excellent cook and kept a very clean house. Conrad married Thérèse Allard in 1944, and they were blessed with seven children. From 1942 to 1946, Conrad farmed with is father-in-law, August Allard. In 1956, Conrad bought a half section of land and began farming on his own. He also had cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and geese. He drove school bus from 1960 to 1965, and in the late 1960’s began working at The Family Life Insurance Co., until its closure in 1977. Conrad was very involved in the Centre Culturel, where he made many good friends and was the official bartender. He also enjoyed volunteering at the St. Victor Boogie. Conrad loved his cat Minou, beloved dog Finigan, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Conrad was known to have the hands of a hard-working man. He was a man of great strength and generosity, and the care and well-being of his beloved wife Thérèse and his seven children was always put first. Throughout Conrad’s life, he was able to share with all around him his love for the land, his farm, fields, and animals. He often referred to his walks at the Villa as doing "swats” … the farm was never very far from him. His house in St. Victor was his oasis of peace and serenity. He was able to transmit his love of his homestead to all of us and future generations. Many of us have fond memories of the "farm.” Finally, Conrad was a humble man. He was a man of great optimism who believed in life, the value of his fellow man, and was anchored in his absolute faith in God. Conrad will be fondly remembered by his children, Denise, Monique, Gérald, Claude, Paul, Francine, and Céline, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Thérèse Allard Ducharme (1983); siblings, Rolland, Sr. Simone, Victor, Fr. Roger, Fr. Fernand, Cecile, Sr. Therese, 2 infant sisters; son-in-law Arthur Roy; sister-in-law Claire Tocher and brother-in-law Jim Tocher. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, August 11, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at St. Ignace Roman Catholic Church, Willow Bunch, SK, with Father Juanito Vargas celebrant. Cross bearer was Angêle Frampton. Readers were Janelle Jubinville and Kisanne Marit. Prayers of the faithful were read by Miguel Marit. Offertory gifts were presented by Denise Savard and Monique Ducharme. The eulogy was shared by Tony Savard and Hubert Gauthier. Pallbearers were Miguel Marit, Martin Geis, Dan Moynihan, Mike Jubinville, Dillan Ducharme and Wes Hall. Interment took place at St. Victor Cemetery. Masses in memory of Conrad were greatly appreciated.