Roger Noel Vadeboncoeur

Roger died peacefully on May 29, 2020 at his residence in Parkwood Court, Victoria.  Roger will be mourned by his daughters Louise Costello (Michael) of Victoria and Suzanne Brisson (Gerald) of Katy, Texas; son-in-law Steven Kawai of Mississauga; grandchildren Patrick (Liane) of Los Angeles, CA, Mark (Carolyn) and Daniel (Amber) Costello of Victoria; David (Alison) of Ottawa and Paul (Lena) Kawai of Toronto; Eric of Las Vegas, NV, Thomas (Abigail) of Houston, TX and Madeline Brisson of Jacksonville Beach, FL; great-grandchildren Roger, Jocelyn, Jack, and Claire Costello. Roger was predeceased by his wife of 69 years Loraine (2016), son John (1991), and daughter Claire Kawai (2013).

Roger was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1924. From an early age, he had a love for movies and music.  Growing up, going to see a film at the theatre was the highlight of his week. He met Loraine, the love of his life, as a teenager and was determined not to lose her even when he went away to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, at the age of 18. Upon discharge in 1945, Roger articled as a Chartered Accountant with John Shelly and Company, Winnipeg, and worked there until he began his 30-year career in Human Resources at St Boniface General Hospital. Roger reunited with Loraine in 1945 and they wed in 1947.  They raised their son and three daughters in St. Boniface.

Music filled the Vadeboncoeur home, all forms of jazz – traditional, big band, swing, gospel and the blues, as well as popular French singers, and Broadway musicals.  Roger acquired impressive record and movie collections which he loved to share with his children and grandchildren. He passed on his love for music and the arts to them; this will be his lasting legacy.  In 1986, Roger and Loraine moved to Victoria where they enjoyed the fruits of retirement – leisure, travel, volunteering, and enjoying their growing family. Their children visited often, and here is where treasured memories were made with their seven grandsons and one granddaughter, driving to practices and camps, attending special events, or just hanging out – playing cards, pool, poker, scrabble, or doing crossword puzzles, always, of course, listening to music and munching on chocolate bars! Roger will be remembered for his sharp mind, his gentlemanlike manner, his wit and his ever so kind heart.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Parkwood Court, Roger’s home for his final years, for their excellent care, the nursing staff at RJH Medical Day Care for their unfailing kindness during Roger’s long treatment appointments, as well as his faithful pastoral visitor whose friendship and stimulating conversation Roger valued.

A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Parish, Victoria, BC.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com