Rene Joseph Gosseye

Peacefully, with family by his side, Rene Gosseye of St. Claude passed away on May 1, 2026, at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 90 years.

Rene will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Alice; his children Glen (Shelley), Michael, and Lynn (Joe) Cleutinx; his granddaughters Melanie (Aarron), Jada, and Natasha; his sister Eva Henderson and brother Marcel; as well as numerous friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his son Richard; grandson Jared; sisters Yvonne (Eugene) Gauthier and Rhea (Omer) Poirier; brother-in-law Vernon Henderson; sister-in-law Ferne; and his parents, Amede and Marie (Payette).

Rene was born in St. Lupicin on April 6, 1936, and attended school in Altamont. Rene possessed a strong work ethic from a young age, leaving home early to help support his family. He worked on several local farms before moving to Red Lake, Ontario, to work in a gold mine, then later traveled to Alberta to work on the oil rigs for several years.

Rene returned to Manitoba in 1963 after purchasing a farm, where he and his wife farmed together for 62 years. He met Alice Beare of Brandon at a dance at Hood School, where she was teaching at the time. They had four children and worked hard on their dairy farm until 1981, when they transitioned to mixed grain and beef—a legacy he continued with his son until the 2025 harvest season.

Rene enjoyed farming and stayed active in it as long as he was able, despite suffering two strokes and undergoing heart surgery at age 88. He was a private individual, but saw his home as a haven for family and friends, welcoming everyone who visited. He possessed a jovial sense of humor and a quick wit, but also a big heart, always ready to help his children and neighbors. A true handyman, Rene could fix anything and spent many hours in his shop tinkering with or repairing machinery. At the end of a long day, he could be found relaxing in his chair with his little dog Sparky in his lap.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Portage hospital staff for their valiant care. A special thanks to Lynn and Annette Bernard.

A private funeral service will be held.

If friends so wish, donations in memory of Rene can be made to the Portage District Hospital Foundation 524-5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com