Denis LaPalme

Obituary

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 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.