Rene Dechief, 1941-2008

Long-time resident of Falher, Rene Dechief passed away on March 7, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Health Care Centre in McLennan Alberta at the age of 66 years. Rene Dechief was born in Falher at his grandmother’s house on July 13, 1941, to Albert and Eugenie Dechief. According to his mother, Rene was a precocious child who loved to play tricks on everyone. From a mischievous little boy, to a sound business man, husband, and father, it was a great sense of humour that led Rene through his life. There was never a day that he didn’t find something funny about the world. At heart, Rene was always a farmer. At 17, his first job was as a farm hand for Alex Forgie, a job that he held for nearly three years. He then set off on a different career path, training to be an electrical linesman. Having no fear of heights, this job suited him and he liked the view from the top of a pole. Then, in 1969, he went into farming for real with his Dad and brother Ed, and later on with his son Derrick. Rene was also well respected by friends, neighbours, and business associates alike. Visitors were always made to feel welcome in the home of Rene and Francoise and many a wanderer shared a place at the table for Christmas dinner. He was always quick to lend a hand to a family member, friend, or neighbour. As well, he appreciated that he could rely on his neighbors and friends when he was in a tight spot. At the heart of it all Rene was a family man. He leaves with them years of memories of laughter around the dinner table, time spent around the campfire, trips to the river, time in the garage, rides on the tractor, snowmobiling and playing monopoly. He taught his children to be honest, fair, responsible, clever, tenacious, and loyal, traits now being passed on to his grandchildren Christopher and Miranda Paxson, Casey Dechief, Tyler Shram, Cassandra and Maxwell Swarbrick. Rene was predeceased by his parents Albert and Eugenie (Rey) Dechief. He leaves to mourn his wife Francoise (Gagne), sons Derrick (Tammy) Dechief, Ryan Dechief, daughter Joanne (Carl) Swarbrick, brother Edmond (Gabrielle) Dechief, sisters Claire (Richard) Gagnon, Janine (Tony) Laliberte, and Doris Dechief and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for the late Rene Dechief were held on March 11, 2008 at 10:30 from the Ste Anne Parish in Falher with Deacon Reg Bouchard and Reverend Boniface N’Kulu Lupitshi OSB officiating. Organist was Nicole Beaudoin and soloist was Tony Laliberte. Pallbearers were Richard Alexandre, Paul Bourgeois, Raymond Caron, Roger Gosselin, Pierre Mencke and Cliff Merchant. Cross bearer was Casey Dechief. Interment followed at the Ste. Anne Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories, Peace River.