René Joseph Roger Carignan
November 3, 1952 Coronach, Saskatchewan
December 5, 2021 Calgary, Alberta
René Joseph Roger Carignan of Calgary, Alberta, passed December 5, 2021, in his daughter's arms after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
René was born on November 3, 1952, to Gaston and Odette Carignan in Coronach, SK. He spent his first five years in Fife Lake, SK, then the family moved to the family homestead in Ponteix, SK. He was the third child of a family of eight. He attended elementary and high school in Ponteix.
He worked hard on the farm and learned many skills that served him well throughout his life. He would put his heart and soul into every endeavour. His ambition in life was to constantly better himself. He was a proud man and strived to be a good provider for his family. His work ethic was an asset to his success in life.
After driving to Calgary with a friend in a VW Beetle in 1970 to find work, Rene started his apprenticeship in plumbing in 1972. This became his passion and his livelihood for almost 50 years. After completing many jobs in the Bow Valley and having ended a 15-year business partnership, René - who fell in love with the mountains and the outdoors, started Carignan Mechanical in Canmore, Alberta in 1999. His wife, Patricia and his two brothers Daniel and Charles, worked by his side throughout his 22 years with the company. He truly loved the work and those he worked with, and he was proud to be part of this beautiful community.
René loved to talk. Whether sharing his opinion or passing along his experiences, he could keep one engaged for any length of time. In addition, he enjoyed being surrounded by motivated people. Through his encounters, he made lifelong friends and treasured the many trips, golf games, motor-bike rallies and most of all the memories. Directly or indirectly, he was a mentor to many and encouraged people to do their best and to be proud of their accomplishments as he was proud of his.
René leaves to mourn his high school sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Patricia. René and Patricia had two daughters Shannon and Kirsten. René was predeceased by his daughter Kirsten, parents Gaston and Odette Carignan, his parents-in-law Kenneth and Vivian Kendall, sister Madeleine, brother-in-law Warren Kendall, niece Anne-Renée Henry. He will be dearly missed by his precious daughter, Shannon (Hubert) and grandchildren Dragahn (17 years) and Solange (14 years). In addition, left to mourn are six siblings - Robert (Rosaline), Denis (Connie), Annette (Edmond), Jeannine (Gerald), Daniel (Debbie), Charles (Leanne). Also, brothers-in-law Brian (Shauna) and Gary (Dixie), as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
