Elmer "Paru" Beaulieu

Suddenly on Saturday, November 13, 2021 Elmer Beaulieu started his journey to the spirit world at the age of 43 years.

Elmer will be lovingly remembered by his partner/wife of 25 years Amanda Myerion; children Brady (Jessica), Raelyn (Antonio), Shantelle (Denzell) and Erika; mother-in-law Lizzie; grandchildren Channin, Bentley, Brayleigh, Brayella, Raeleigh, Braystyn and Zaeleigh.  He helped raise Georgie, Sheena, Chasky and Lenise with grandchildren Faye, Shade, Gorgeous and Elsie.  He will also be missed by his siblings Patsy, Kenneth, Sandra (Gary), Robert (Lynette), Roger (Myrna), Lena, Doloris, Samantha, Joey, Mary, Chastity (Collin), along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer Sr. and Flora Beaulieu; granddaughters Brielle and Braylyn; maternal grandparents Laurent and Edna; paternal grandparents Laurent and Alice; brothers-in-law Preston and George; siblings Eleanor, Elmer Sr. and infant brother; niece Precious; nephews Sonny, Blaine and Jesse and Baby Lance.

The family would like to thank Long Plain Chief and Council, Manitoba First Nation Police, Long Plain Firefighters, Portage Ambulance and all those who have given us support during this difficult time.

Wake will take place at Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm. Feast and Service will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 beginning at 12:00 pm at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge.  Burial will follow at Dauphin Myerion Cemetery.

In 1996, Elmer met the love of his life Amanda and moved to Long Plain, where they raised four beautiful children.  Elmer was employed by Long Plain First Nation for seventeen years, with ten of them being a fire fighter.  He was a jack of all trades, there was never a job too big for him.  His employment included several professions, carpentry, plumbing, electrician and a mechanic.  Elmer enjoyed spending many hours working to beautify his yard. He cherished and loved his grandchildren and was there for them from birth tending to them and looked after them when they were sick.  Elmer loved attending community events, such as pow wows and family events.  Elmer loved his baby Erika to the fullest, she was his pride and joy.  He loved music, and would listen to the music through speakers with lights.

Elmer Mathew Jr was the youngest in a family of 12 siblings, he had 4 brothers and 7 sisters. He was born to dad Elmer Sr and mother Flora who was affectionately known by all her children as Mummy. He grew up in a large loving home surrounded by his parents and his older siblings. Elmer Jr was better known as Paru. His nickname came from a well known wrestler who went by the name Pompero Firpo. A few of his older siblings were already on their own and starting families by the time he was born. Because of this, Paru grew up with his nephews and nieces as his playmates and grew close relationships with them as they grew up together.

As a little boy, Paru had long beautiful hair that was kept in braids by his mother and his sisters. Those braids were his trademark because it wasn’t often you would see boys with long hair and braids. He was a beautiful child and this beauty is also apparent in his children and his grandchildren. Paru was also fluent in our language, this was passed on to him by his parents and grandparents and older siblings. Young Paru was extremely playful and so mischievous that sometimes he would earn a swat to his behind from Mummy. He could often be heard laughing and running off yelling in our language “haha, that didn’t hurt!”. Paru had a very close bond with Mummy and this was evident when she left the family home to go and stay with him and his family in Long Plain. That was a big move for both of them and showed how deep their bond was.

As a teenager, Paru had a lot of friends but he still spent a lot of time at home with family. He was often digging around in the fridge for something to eat much to Mummy’s chagrin. If he wasn’t digging in the fridge, he would be cutting a huge piece of bannock from the bannock drawer and making a sandwich. Suppertime would bring the family together and he was always at the table with his siblings. He would help bring in wood for the woodburning stoves in the winter but only after Mummy would get after him about it. He was a typical teenager when it came to chores and helping around the house, he would do so but only after Mummy or Dad got after him. Mummy and Dad instilled deep values in each of their children and Paru was no exception. Because of this, he had strong family values and he loved his children and his grandchildren unconditionally. He would often share pictures of his family on social media. We take comfort in the knowledge he is with her now. He would sometimes comment to his big brother that he missed his granddaughter.

As an adult, Paru worked for the Long Plain First Nation in various jobs and provided for his family. He always made sure his family had what they needed. He transferred his status from Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation to Long Plain First Nation so he could be the same status as his wife and his children. To Paru, this was a minor thing because it did not change who he really was, kind hearted and loving. That was Paru, kind, funny, loving. He was well known for his sense of humor. He would often create and share funny videos on social media that would make the viewers howl with laughter. He would often tease people in a way that only Paru could. He saw the world in a completely different way than most of us. Paru always welcomed everyone into his home and would always extend an invitation for people to visit. Words cannot describe the pain and the heartache the family is going through. They say time heals pain but nobody ever said how long that pain will last. Each of us in the family have our special memories of Paru throughout the years. The thought of Paru reunited with all those loved one who passed before him brings some comfort. He will be sadly missed by all of us and we will always remember him in our hearts. If only we could have been there for you, you hid your pain too well.

Until we meet again Paru, we love you.  Always.

Love your brothers and sisters and the rest of your big big family.

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