Tribute

N. René Lachance (1949-2024)

On October 30th, 2024, our kind and thoughtful René Lachance passed away in his home, calm and full of peace.

René, a father, brother, son, and friend to all, was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, in 1949 to the late Ernest “Ernie” and Emma (Langan) Lachance. He is survived by his older brother, Mel (Gundi) Lachance, his two daughters, Danielle (Justin) Lachance and Madison Lachance, his niece and god-daughter, Lori (Bernadette) Lachance, and his three grandchildren: Christopher, Jackson, and Audrey.

René grew up in St. Charles, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He spent many years in Calgary, Alberta, before later returning to Winnipeg, where he continued to pour into his community. Settling into his final years, he moved to Duncan, British Columbia, to be closer to his brother and youngest daughter.

René tried to learn something new every day, and as a jack-of-all-trades, his career gave him every opportunity. No matter what it was, he always took great pride in his work and cared for the people on his team.

He also loved to see the world, experiencing many adventures while traveling to new places as a younger man. René would tell you that one of his only regrets was not going to Disneyland.

He had a competitive spirit throughout his life, whether it was playing baseball, bowling, curling, pool, darts, or a friendly game of cards, René always played to win. While in Winnipeg, he participated in the ANAVETS 283 Darts House League for many years and has all the trophies to prove it.

René’s passion for knowledge was reflected by the book he always kept on hand—and the several others on rotation at any given time. Despite his constant thirst for knowledge, he never missed an opportunity to have a nap at any time or place. He was always quick to remind us, “I’m not sleeping, just resting my eyes.”

René’s faith abounded; his words and deeds were defined by his joy and trust in Christ. He was a member of Maranatha Evangelical Free Church in Winnipeg up until his cross-country move, and he began to attend virtual sermons at West Winds Community Church and Oasis City Church as his illness progressed. His friends will tell you about his unrestrained kindness and innately service-minded attitude. Anyone who encountered René spoke of his character. He couldn’t help but make friends wherever he went and built an incredible community of people in Duncan; the family is unimaginably grateful to his neighbours and friends who were instrumental in uplifting him as his health declined over the past two years.

Paramount for René was his family, which he couldn’t help but express to anyone who would listen—he took immense pride in seeing his daughters thrive, it was his favourite topic of conversation.

Let us remember René, his joy, graciousness, and kind soul, with one of his favourite verses:

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Service to take place at Maranatha Free Evangelical Church (Winnipeg, MB) on April 12^th, 2025, at 1:00pm.