Maurice Balcaen
Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we are announcing the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, friend and coach. Maurice left us peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, March 1, 2019.
He will forever be remembered by his devoted and loving spouse Colette (née Campagne), his three sons, Serge (Nicole), Charles (Geraldine) and Michel (Lianne), his four precious grandchildren, Gabriel, Janique, Brie and Cloé; his siblings Berthe Legal, Florence Torcutti, Hubert (Denise), Louis (Jeanne), Jean (Armande), Jules (Louise), his twin sister Yvette Boisvert (Roland), Claude (Suzanne) and brother-in-law Gérard Décelles, his brothers and sisters-in-law Flore Lemieux, Gérard Campagne, Danielle Campagne, Mimi & Bill Iafolla, Jean-Pierre Campagne, Louise Campagne, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, his cousin and best friend Raymond (Aurora) Fisette, his past employees and his sweet dog Cachou.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Madeleine Balcaen, brother Fernand and sister-in-law Georgette, sister Lina, brother-in-law Denis, brother-in-law Domenico, sister-in-law Maria, nephew Roger, his parents-in-law Henri and Marie-Jeanne Campagne, brother-in-law Aimé and nephew Henri.
Maurice grew up in La Broquerie in a close-knit franco-manitoban family. As a twin and being second youngest of the family, he was influenced by many older brothers who loved sports and older sisters who spoiled him dearly. Maurice was 16 years old when he lost his father and became a great source of support for his grieving mother. He remained extremely close to her until her death in 1995.
Maurice’s first job as an orderly at the St. Boniface Hospital motivated him to move to the city. Maurice eventually followed his brother Jean’s footsteps into the insurance business. Along with partner Émile Vermette, they established Assurances Balcaen-Vermette Insurance. He later partnered with his son Serge at Assurances Forest and never fully retired because of his love of working and his love for his clients.
Maurice had a great sense of humor. Some of his expressions are legendary! He also loved to entertain. He was a master on the BBQ and loved to watch all sports with his family and friends. He and Colette welcomed many guests in their home over the years and always made everyone feel welcome. He was a competitive squash player, played hockey with the Selects and liked to golf with his friends and family.
Maurice met the love of his life Colette and they married in 1971. Serge came into their life 3 years later, followed by Charles 2 years later and Michel the following year. As a father, Maurice taught life values to his three sons by being a role model himself, showing kindness and respect to all. Maurice loved to travel and enjoyed winters in Mesa. Maurice was a coach at heart and analyzed other coaches’ decisions until the very end. He loved being around younger people and was even a Big Brother as a young man. He left an impression on many young adults who still look up to him to this day.
His grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He was so very proud and loved them dearly.
Maurice, ta présence restera dans notre coeur pour toujours.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, starting with the eulogy at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel Steinbach, MB.
