Rene Mervin Spence

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Rene Mervin Spence at the age of 75 years.  

Rene was born in Dauphin on March 23, 1947 to Emile and Claudia Spence; he passed away on January 29, 2023 at his home in Eddystone.  

Rene was predeceased by his parents Emile and Claudia, brothers Ivan (Verna), Edward and Ronnie, sister-in-law Yvonne and sister-in-law Carol.  

Left to mourn his passing and cherish many fond memories are his brothers Joseph, Andrew (Sam), Herman (Vivian), Lloyd, Bill (Svava), his sisters Freda (Lew), Doris, Vida (Terry), Corinne (Brian); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.  

Rene was the second born son in a family of thirteen and his passing leaves a huge void in the lives of all who knew him.  Residing at the family home all of his life, Rene was a welcome face for anyone coming home for Eddystone for a visit.  You would often find him sitting in one of his favorite spots, legs crossed with a cup of coffee and a smoke in hand.  He didn't have any pets but strangely enough you would often find a dog at his side.  

In his younger years, Rene worked for CN, Manitoba Hydro, and local farmers in the Eddystone area.  He once owned a half a dozen cattles and helping with haying and hauling the hay ho,e was a family affair.  All of his haying was done with an old Ford tractor and modified horse mowers and rakes.  An expert trapper, he logged many miles trapping muskrats on Lonely Lake.  

Rene was a skilled, self taught carpenter, taking the lead on building the family home and was known for his detailed and intricate bird houses.  He was an avid hockey and baseball player and long after he hung up his skates and cleats, would still go the extra mile to make a skating rink for his nieces and nephews.  

In his later years, Rene took on the role of caregiver to his father Emile until his passing in 2001 and then his mother Claudia until her passing in 2013.  He took pride in helping with the family garden and passed many hours on his riding lawnmower keeping the yard well-groomed.  He was always ready to greet visitors with a handshake, a smiling face and a cup of tea.  Rene will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Prayers were offered on Monday, February 6th, 2023 at 7:00 pm from Sneath-Strilchuk's Ste. Rose Chapel, Ste. Rose du Lac.  

Funeral Mass was celerated on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 at 2:00 pm from Ste. Rose de Lima Roman Catholic Church. 

Interment in the St. Thomas RC Cemetery, Eddystone

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