Guy Preteau

Obituary

Guy Preteau, age 73, of South Junction, Manitoba, passed away peacefully following a brief illness with cancer on March 4, 2026, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Guy was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Leona Preteau; his brothers Roger and Claude; his sisters Louise and Diane; brothers-in-law Dick Pero and Thomas Adamson; his father and mother-in-law Phil and Marie Prevost; sisters-in-law Brenda Prevost and Doris Prevost; his nephew Bobby Parent; and nieces Janice Adamson, Rosemary Elyk, and Kyra Preteau.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 52 years, Jocelyne; his children Phil (Wendy), Chantel, and Keith; his grandchild Owen; step-grandchildren Kristen and Cody; his siblings Richard (Shirlee), Edmee (Roy), Reynald (Alida); sister-in-law Bonnie Grawberger; in-laws; Bert (Angela), Raymond (Lynn), Norman, Leon (Kathy), Sally (Jeff), John (Margie), Victor (Shawny), and Bill (Bonnie), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Guy grew up in Vassar, Manitoba, where he attended school until area schools amalgamated and he continued his education at Ross L. Gray School in Sprague. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jocelyne. They were married on July 14, 1973, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.

The young couple moved to Winnipeg where Guy attended Red River College to become an electrician. During their time in Winnipeg, their children Philip and Chantel were born. After completing his training, Guy and Jocelyne moved to South Junction, where they built their family home and Guy started his own business. In 1979, their son Keith was born in Roseau, Minnesota. Over the years Guy also worked at the Caisse Populaire, always working tirelessly day and night to provide for his family.

Guy believed strongly in giving back to his community. For many years he volunteered countless hours at the church, selling bingo cards and calling bingo in the church basement on Wednesday evenings. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. Guy also spent many summers helping at the South Junction Community Club, working to beautify the grounds and organizing the annual South Junction Family Ball Tournament.

Sports were always a big part of Guy’s life. He loved playing baseball and hockey and was a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Canadiens. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

At home, Guy took great pride in his garden and loved spending time tending to it each summer. He was especially proud of being the first to harvest a cucumber each season and took great care to keep his garden well-weeded and looking its very best.

One of Guy’s greatest joys was the land he purchased, where he spent countless hours working outdoors. With his skidder and tools in hand, he cleared trails, cut and split firewood, and built tree stands. Blueberry season was especially dear to him. Each year he looked forward to heading out to pick blueberries and was always eager to convince someone new to join him on the adventure.

Guy was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. Whether it was fixing a furnace in the middle of a bitterly cold winter night or replacing a stove element while someone was preparing Christmas dinner, Guy never hesitated to lend a hand. He was a hardworking, dependable, and kind-hearted man who made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Guy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and medical staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre who cared for Guy during his illness.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 60 Main St, South Junction, MB.