Obituary of Rene Marcel Vandoorne

VANDOORNE - Rene passed away peacefully on December 31, 2019 with his daughters by his side. Rene was born at Deloraine on October 20th, 1929, the third son of Oscar and Amendine (Saelen) Vandoorne. He attended school at Bayview until his family moved to Heaslip, and then continued his education at Fairfax and Riverside schools. In 1950, Rene started farming on his own, with winters spent in Ontario working as a slasher operator in bush camps at Steven's and Hillsport. On October 24, 1953, he married Louise Gastonguay of Elgin, and they spent the next four winters both working at a bush camp at Hillsport, ON. In 1957, Rene purchased some cattle and was from then on a full-time cattle and grain farmer. Rene enjoyed working in his shop and came up with many inventions. He served as Trustee at Bunclody School, was Councillor of Ward 2 in the RM of Whitewater for eight years, resigning when he moved to Brandon in 1985. He was also a member of Turtle Mountain Flywheel Club and the Pioneer Power and Equipment Club. Rene enjoyed hunting in his younger years. He also enjoyed many nights snowmobiling with family and friends. He and Mom took several bus tours to California, Florida, Amish Country and the Maritimes. They also visited Fort McMurray, Butchart Gardens, Mt. Rushmore plus many places in Manitoba — one special trip being to Churchill. Due to arthritis, Rene was unable to continue farming which he loved. He rented out the land and moved to Brandon and was once again busy in his shop restoring antique tractors and always finding time to visit friends' when they called around to see what he was working on. Dad spent hours at night watching TV and drawing in his book, figuring out what he would build next, his mind was never idle. He was so happy when he found an old tractor to restore and no matter how bent, rusted or broken they were, he managed to get them looking like new and running once again. He also made numerous wood splitters that put the store bought ones to shame. Rene was predeceased by his Mother on May 8, 1943, his Father on Sept. 9, 1972, Brothers Roger - Nov. 12, 1998, Eddie - Feb. 1999, Duffy – Oct. 28, 2007, and his beloved wife Louise – Nov. 16, 2010. Dad was a very proud and hardworking man, and he knew what he wanted and he would not stop until he got it. That is why his death was decided by himself and no one could tell him otherwise. Our family respected and admired Dad's decision and anyone who knew our Dad well, knew how difficult the last ten years have been for him. Dad will be greatly missed for his many stories of dances at Riverside, his joy at showing his grandchildren and great grandchildren the various puzzles he made and how to figure them out. He also liked a good joke and had many dear friends who visited him on a regular basis. He is survived by his daughters Vicki and Denise (Bob) Richardson, grandchildren, Carli (Brian) and Shawn (Pam) and great grandchildren, Mia, Amelia, Dylan and Riley, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Services celebrating Rene's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with Kim Lewarne as Funeral Celebrant. If friends so wish, donations in memory of Rene may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6. A page read, a chapter turned, a life well lived and a rest well earned.