Roger Joseph St. Louis

Peacefully, on April 23, 2026, our Dearest Dad, Roger St. Louis, passed away at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 87 years.

Dad was a beloved father, grandfather, and “Papa or Papapa,” and will be forever cherished by his daughters Simonne (Brian) Fust and Lorraine St. Louis (Jason Specht), and his son George St. Louis. He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Paul (Brooke), Dale (Sarah), Eric, Shasta (Russell), Steven (Kelly), Chris (Anna), and Nikki (Justin), as well as ten great-grandchildren: Kyulin, Izzi, Charlie, Olivia, Sierra, Taylor, Mason, Dylan, Abby, and Karson.

He is also survived by his siblings Rolland St. Louis and Paulette Marsolais (Henri), and sisters- and brothers-in-laws: Ethel St. Louis, Carol Reid, Hugh Groombridge, and Pat Reid, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who made Dad’s life so full.

Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Carol, in 2016, his parents Alexandre and Antoinette St. Louis, and several brothers, sisters and in-laws. Born on June 9, 1938, Dad grew up on the family farm in Pickardville, Alberta. School definitely wasn’t Dad’s thing—he liked to say he was smarter than everyone else because he took Grade 9 twice. At the age of 15, he left school and headed to British Columbia to begin working with his brother. At 17, Dad joined the Royal Canadian Air Force—famously stretching the truth about his age to do so. While stationed in Gimli, he met the love of his life, Carol, and they were married on February 7, 1959.

Throughout his 21-year military career, Dad was posted to several locations, including Resolute Bay and Holberg, BC. His final posting brought the family to Southport. Mom and Dad chose to leave base life behind and settle in Portage la Prairie, where they proudly purchased their first home—which also became their forever home. After retiring from the Air Force in 1976, Dad began working as a Parts Specialist with several local businesses, including Avenue Automatic, Canadian Tire, Pongoski Enterprises, Preston Auto Repair and PH Auto Repair. Dad then decided he might enjoy driving a school bus, just like his Dad used to do, so he went and got his license and did that for a couple of years. He later worked as a Commissionaire (Parking Meter Attendant) for the City of Portage before being recruited to Manage the Portage & District Recycling Depot, a role he held until his retirement in 2001.

Dad loved life’s simple pleasures—especially playing cards, often with a mischievous streak that kept everyone laughing. He was an active volunteer at the Herman Prior Centre and enjoyed bowling, dancing, and spending time with family, especially around the backyard pool. He was a dedicated Terrier fan/Season Ticket holder for 46 years and even served on the Board for a few years. And, of course, one of his all-time favourite things to do was to follow his kids, grandkids and great grandkids adventures and activities – even when his body stopped him from attending.

He was a devoted husband, visiting Carol daily, sometimes twice a day, during her battle with Alzheimer’s until her passing in 2016. His loyalty, humor, and warmth touched everyone who knew him.

In July of 2019, our Dad suffered a devastating stroke that would change his life, and ours, forever. His stroke took his speech and his mobility, but it never took his spirit. We know it was incredibly hard for him, and he was tired, but he fought and tried so hard to live.

It takes a village. Just as the beginning of life is strengthened and supported by a caring community, the same is true at the end of life. The compassion, teamwork, and shared humanity shown by so many made all the difference in our Dad’s journey. For that, we are forever grateful.

A heartfelt thank you to the Nurses and Health Care Aides at Lions Prairie Manor for the care and compassion you showed our Dad over the past seven years, enriching his time there in so many meaningful ways. Your work does not go unnoticed, and it will always be remembered with appreciation and warmth. You are truly angels on earth. Thank you as well to the many doctors—especially Dr. Proctor— activity staff, dietary team, housekeeping staff, and maintenance staff. Each of you played an important role in his comfort, dignity, and quality of life. We are deeply grateful for the kindness, respect, and dedication you showed not only to him, but to our entire family.

To our friends and extended family, thank you for the outpouring of love and support. Your kindness was our strength, your hugs were our comfort, and your memories of our Dad will keep him close to us for years to come—please keep them coming.

Dad will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His memory will live on in laughter, stories, and in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at the link below.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba 108 - B Saskatchewan Ave E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0L1, The Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1V1 or by e-transfer hermanpriorcentre@gmail.com (Please add a memo) or to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation, 24-9th ST. S.E. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.