René Charles Rey, son of Léon Rey and Mrie Anne Etchecopar, was born on August 20, 1918 on the Rey homestead south of Falher. He married Reina Couillard on December 29, 1947 and together they raised seven children.

Farming and ranching were his two passions in life. His love of this career choice led him to be a very productive and successful farmer for over 80 years.

How do we describe this one-of-a-kind man? Honest, compassionate, generous, patient, caring, understanding, intelligent, loyal, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He could be tough as nails yet as gentle as a summer breeze. With his remarkable wit and a twinkle in his eye, he would make you laugh spontaneously and uncontrollably.

He enjoyed reading, playing cards, walking, camping, hunting, fishing, “bricolage,” and fixing anything that was broken. Even at the age of 92 he was often recruited to perform minor repairs or assemble various items for the residents of Villa Beaujésour.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, he always enjoyed spending time appreciating the sights and sounds that Mother Nature offered him every day.

Because of who he was, his unspoken legacy will live on. Hi strength and perseverance will be cherished by all who knew him and his teachings will transcend for generations to come.

Funderal services for the late René Rey were held at the Paroisse Sainte Anne Church in Falher on July 26, 2011. Officiating was MSGR. Charles Lavoie P.H. Cross bearers were Nancy, oldest grandchild and Corey, youngest grandchild. Pallbearers were grandchildren: Michael, Lynn, Daniel, René, Nicole, Jamey, Kevin and Chantal. Honourary pallbearers were the residents and staff of Villa Beauséjour.

Music was performed by his great niece Nicole Beaudoin. Eulogy was read by his niece Lorraine Beaudoin. Readers were nieces Léona Labrecque and Pierette Charest. Offerings were delivered by nephew Léon Hébert, friends Valerie Lambert and Paul Gervais.

Rene leaves to mour: Reina, his wife of 63 years, Raymond, Normand (Rita Houle), Danny (Kayla Bartel), Morgan Therrien, Chris Therrien (Tyler Lavallée) and Zoey, Lorraine (Léo) Moulun, Nancy (Josh Foster), Brenden, Hailey, Tejah, Lynn (Steve) Jackson, Alexis and Kane, Doris (Aimé) Dumais, Daniel (crystal), Tanneil, Nicole, Danika, René and Nicole (Chris Macahonic), Gisèle (Brian) Lanctot and Michael Aubin, Doreen (Kevin) Dumont, Chantal and Corey, daughter-in-law Joyce Rey (Ron Meunier), Jamey (Stacey) and Kevin.

He also leaves his sisters Berthe (Léon) Brulotte, Claire Gardner, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends as well as his second family at Villa Beauséjour.

René was predeceased by his son Richard, parents Léon and Marie-Anne, brothers Émile and Aimé, sisters Marie Hébert, Eugenie Dechie, in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes in Peace River, AB.