Obituary of Rheal Delaurier

DELAURIER: It is with tremendous sadness that the family announces the passing of Rheal Delaurier, on Sunday, January 12, 2014 following a courageous and determined battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia, at the age of 45 years. Rheal was born on May 4, 1968 in Ste. Rose du Lac to Lionel and Paulette (née Pelletier) Delaurier, the 2nd of 4 children. He attended school in Ste. Rose and graduated from Ste. Rose Collegiate in 1987. Rheal attended ACC in Dauphin for his Motor Vehicle Mechanics Diploma. Rheal began working at Canadian Motors in Brandon as part of his work experience and completed his apprenticeship there. Rheal achieved Ford Senior and Master Technician status. He also worked for Dupuis Choice Auto and The Garage/Auto AG Parts Direct. In August of 2012, Rheal joined Manitoba Hydro as a Fleet Mechanic Trainee and was looking forward to going back to school for his Heavy Duty Mechanic ticket. Rheal was so many things to many people. He loved to talk, laugh, play jokes and always had a witty comeback. Rheal was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it whether it was a family member, a friend or a complete stranger. He would do absolutely anything for anyone and fix things that were within his power. Rheal and Sheila were high school sweethearts and were married on June 5, 1993 and Rheal proudly became a member of the Robert and Yvette Beheyt family. Rheal and Sheila were blessed with two daughters, Jenna and Kaelyn, who were the sparkle in their dad's eyes and his ultimate pride and joy. Rheal loved them to pieces and will continue to look upon them from the heavens above. He loved the game of hockey, playing minor hockey in Ste. Rose both as a player and a referee. He played with the Ste. Rose Royals and the Elkhorn Canadians along with a million games or so in the summer and winter leagues in Brandon. Rheal wore #55 and was known as the Freight Train, never backing down and digging deep in the corners. Rheal and his daughter, Jenna, were dedicated season ticket holders for the Brandon Wheat Kings and his favorite NHL team was the Calgary Flames. He loved spending time with his girls, whether it was swimming, skating, gymnastics or school activities. The family spent their summers camping at various locations, but made many wonderful memories camping at AJ's at Sportsman's Park at Clear Lake. It was one of their favorite places to be. Rheal was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in March/2013 and began a courageous battle against a terrible disease. He admiringly and silently endured this battle without one word of complaint. Rheal always looked for the positive side of things and he battled every rocky mountain and curve ball thrown into his path and got back to his feet every time ready to fight some more. The superb oncology team at CancerCare Manitoba and GD6 Leukemia/BMT floor at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg provided Rheal with some options to try, and he did with his wife, daughters, family members and friends supporting and cheering for him every step of the way. Unfortunately, Rheal's body could not keep up with the strength of his spirit, giving out on him before he was ready or wanting to let go. Following a tremendous battle, where he never took a step back and fought with everything he had, Rheal passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday morning, January 12, 2014. Rheal, you will be missed by so many people. May you now rest in eternal peace and graduate from being the earthly guardian angel that you were to so many, to a heavenly guardian angel watching over us from above. We love you and may you rest in peace, our healing angel…until we see you again. Thank you for being you and for all that you've given us. Rheal was predeceased by his nephew Zachary. Rheal will be forever remembered and loved by his beloved wife Sheila and his cherished daughters Jenna and Kaelyn of Brandon, his parents Lionel and Paulette Delaurier of Ste. Rose du Lac, his siblings Colette (Vern) of Winnipeg, Joel (Stephanie) of Reykjavik, MB, Lorette of Brandon, his in-laws Robert and Yvette Beheyt of Ste. Rose du Lac, his sister-in-law Karen of Brandon, his niece Melissa and nephews Deagan, Justin, Daenen and Jack, as well numerous aunts, uncles, extended family and many friends. A Celebration of Rheal's Life was held at the McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, 635 McDiarmid Drive, Brandon, on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. A private family interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, please consider making a donation in memory of Rheal to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9, or to the GD6 "Leukemia Care Ward," Patient Comfort Trust Fund, c/o Health Sciences Centre Foundation, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1R9. In the course of his treatment, Rheal required many blood transfusions. If you are able, please consider donating blood to your local Canadian Blood Services in memory of Rheal and give someone the gift of life. "If we could have a lifetime wish and one dream that could come true We would pray to God with all our hearts just to see and speak to you A thousand words won't bring you back We know because we've tried and neither will a million tears We know because we've cried You've left behind our broken hearts and precious memories too But we never wanted just memories We also wanted you" We love you and miss you so much…… This isn't goodbye – it's just see you later………