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Lt(N) Rene Ernest Joseph OUELLET

November 28, 2009

OuelletJan19

Jan 28, 1940 – Nov 28, 2009

After a courageous battle of advanced pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lung lining, Rene passed away on Nov. 28, 2009 at the age of 69.

He was born in Beaumont, Quebec. After the death of his mother at age 8, he entered an orphanage operated by the Catholic Church and the Province of Quebec. He was haunted for life by the horrific treatment from the Orders administering these facilities.

Rene started his naval career, enrolling as an electrical technician, at D’Iberville Quebec, in 1959. His life was the Navy, spanning 35 years of service. He came up through the ranks, from Ordinary Seaman, to the eventual achievement of Commissioned Officer.

He served onboard the Sioux, Qu’Appelle, Assiniboine, Bonaventure, Nipigon, Huron, Saguenay, Skeena, and Protecteur. His shore postings were to Cornwallis, Stadacona ,Shelburne, MarCom HQ, FMG Canadian Forces Fleet School, and National Defense Headquarters.

Rene was a life member of the Naval Electrical Society (now disbanded), CFB Chilliwack CD2 Association, Atlantic Chief and PO’s Association, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280 Vedder.

Upon retirement to the West Coast, Rene acquired his constant canine companion Duke. They enjoyed many wonderful trips down the Oregon Coast and were especially keen on the California Redwood Forest. Rene and Duke spent 14 very happy years together.

For many years, Rene worked as a volunteer with the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities. He enjoyed working with the animals and helping the children.

Hockey was Rene’s passion. He supported the Chilliwack Chiefs and Bruins teams, seldomly missing a game. His hockey friends now miss his enthusiasm at the games.

Rene was self educated and very knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects.

His hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles, golf, gardening, woodworking, wine making and traveling. While living on the West Coast, he enjoyed trips to Australia, New Zealand, United States, the Maritimes, and Ontario.

He is survived by his wife Jan; brothers Gaetan (Brenda) Ouellet, Miramichi NB; Paul-Andre (Denise) Ouellet, Ste Julie PQ; Donald Ouellet,Quebec; Jean-Pierre (Gracia) Ouellet, St Lucien PQ; Brother-in-law Bruce Krisher, Creston BC; five God-Children: Patrick Heney, US Army Killeen, Texas; Shauna Rae Harrison-Saroufim, Orleans ON; Illona Karlsen.Portsmouth, England; Chantal Krisher, Creston, BC and Tristan Harrison, Kanata, Ontario.

The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Heather Leyen and her staff for the care Rene received during his illness

There will be a Service of Remembrance at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280 Vedder, Chilliwack; on Saturday January 23, 2010 at 1330 hrs.

A Service will be held in Halifax, at the Chapel of Remembrance, CFB Halifax, Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 1100 hrs. The committal of ashes service will take place onboard HMCS Sackville, on Battle of Atlantic Sunday.

“I must go down to the seas, again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” John Masefield (1878-1967)

Personal Alternative Funeral Services 604-857-5779



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