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Paul Leroy Riopelle passed away early Monday morning, September 22,

2008 in Bastion Place Palliative Care, Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 67 years.

Born in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan on April 9, 1941, he moved to Salmon Arm in 1948 with his mother and sisters and completed his schooling here.

After several years in cadets, including the Vernon Cadet Camp, he joined the Canadian Army rising to the rank of Captain. He later moved to Revelstoke to work as a log scaler and for a time with BC Forest Service Fire Suppression. He then enrolled in the University of British Columbia, as a mature student and completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree. He touched the lives and hearts of many in his work as a counselor with Drug

and Alcohol in Maple Ridge, Kelowna, Vernon, and other facilities in Western Canada. After retirement, he continued this passion for helping others, leaving a memory of love and respect. He had a great love of nature and the outdoors which included hiking, skiing, biking and photography.

He was predeceased by his father, Leroy Riopelle in 1947, his mother, Anna Van Humbeck in 2001, brother Arnold in 1936, and sister Joyce Dearing in 1980.

Paul is survived by his sister, Pat Heron of Ottawa; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Gerard) Turner of Salmon Arm, Peggy Dearing (Ray Stegar) of Clearwater, Don (Teresa) Dearing of Chilliwack, Laura Heron of Ottawa, Paula Heron (Gordon Watts) of Seattle, Nicholas Heron of Vancouver, Jeanne Boucher and George (Pat) Boucher of Vancouver; many grand nieces and nephews and a multitude of loving friends.

A Prayer service was held Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., September 26th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Service on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with Father George LaGrange, OMI. the celebrant. Honors were presented by Padre Norm Russell and the color party of the Royal Canadian Legion. Words of remembrance were shared by Jim Watson. Organist-soloist was Catherine Kroetch.

Interment followed in Mt. Ida Cemetery, with a reception back at the Mountainside Room at Bowers, including a DVD presentation in the funeral chapel, allowing the overflowing group of family and friends to continue sharing memories.

Pallbearers were Nick Heron, Gary Jorgensen, Joe Moret, Donald Dearing, Pat Murphy and Joe Tremblay.

If friends wish, donations may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.

Email condolences may be sent to

sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com

Funeral arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.



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