Ian Menard

Ian Rodger Menard was born in Winnipegosis Hospital on February 17, 1976, to Winston and Barbara (nee Munro) Menard.  He grew up on the family PMU farm.  The youngest of three boys he was always down to play board games, cards, swim in the river and attend the numerous birthday parties. All the Duck River kids would go to the birthday boy/girls house, and the kids would definitely have a ball celebrating their birthday playing all sorts of games. 

Back then, Sunday night supper was dedicated to watching the Wonderful World of Disney. This was the one time everyone got to eat mom’s supper in the living room which usually ended with a delicious desert. Saturday nights were special with popcorn in your container watching hockey on TV.  Go Leafs Go!  The hours played with mom, dad, David and Hugh in the yard were always thoroughly enjoyed, playing every sport and flinging a frisbee around. Ian always enjoyed the family gatherings as a young kid where all the cousins would play together. This is where he met Kevin who was undoubtedly his best friend.  

At the age of 12, the PMU farm was expanding, and it was an exciting time in his life. Uncle Henry moved to the area getting a PMU contact and Ian helped Winston with building the new tank house that was needed. This is where Ian’s life goal of becoming a carpenter was seeded as he would help where he could. The nights after the work for the day was concluded was always enjoyed as Ian would join in with Dad, Henry and his brothers to play music. This is where he learned to play guitar.  Every time there was a jam session Ian was eager to be there and follow along. 

At the age of 14, the family moved across the river. The basement for the house dad bought needed to be built and Ian loved being part of that experience.

When he was 16, the new barn had to be built, and Ian was right in there acquiring the nickname “barn boss” from the crew.

After graduating from Winnipegosis High School, he went to college in Brandon to pursue his destiny as a carpenter. The following years he worked for J & G, acquiring his journeyman’s ticket and worked towards running his own crew.  He finally got it done and named his company Menard Builder’s. This was the best time of his life where he started playing poker and wouldn’t miss a quad ride with Kevin and his quadding buddies and definitely having a few beers after.

In 2008 he lost his father to cancer. He was a man he loved and respected and definitely wanted to be like in life.  

A few years later Ian was diagnosed with a very slow growing cancer and took treatments through the years. All the while working hard building what is undoubtedly his legacy and pride and joy and something he was extremely proud of and always reflected on his accomplishments and what he was able to do. For example, the 32 and 64 plexes which were incredible buildings to build.  He finished off his carpentry career with DT Roofing and then Riley Nepinak in Pine Creek. 

Ian always enjoyed visiting people and having laughs.

On November 17, 2025, Ian passed away in the Dauphin Hospital with his brother David with him.  

Ian was predeceased by his father Winston.

He is survived by his mother (Roberta) Barb and brothers David and Hugh.

Ian’s motto of work hard and get things done will be remembered by everyone who worked for him and knew him. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin, MB

Friends if they so desire, may make a donation in memory of Ian to CancerCare MB.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ian Menard, please visit our floral store.