Rene Hudon

Rene’s passion for friends and family inspired him to excel in every aspect of his life. He grew up in a large French Canadian family in St-Norbert Manitoba. Even at a very young age Rene liked to keep busy. He started a paper route that would require a lot of time and energy. This was the beginning of; “how can I make this faster?” If two legs would take one hour to complete the paper route, doubling the legs should double the speed and Dad had a horse! It didn’t take long to realize that if one horse power can make things faster, why not have more? This started an early love affair with dirt bikes, quads, snowmobiles, four wheel drives and even on a pit crew for stock car racing at the Winnipeg Speedway.

Having raced everything on land the natural evolution was water. The family cabin located on Lake of the Woods was the perfect training location for his new found obsession! Boat after boat after boat made it possible for Rene to realize that the slogan “bigger is better” applies on the water too. A 30ft cigarette boat is bigger; two small block 350’s are better and a lot louder too.

His competitive nature and entrepreneurial spirit spilled over into his business, RJ Millwork, a cabinet making company started in a two car garage he would build behind his Charleswood home. Over the last 25 years, his one man shop transformed itself into a reputable and respected 35 man architectural woodworking manufacturing plant.

Rene’s generous nature and caring way would lead him to share many hours of his time, laughter and a great deal of love with family and friends. Rene and Anita planned countless gatherings and adventures in order to bring family and friends old and new together at their home and cottage, or wherever the adventure led. Rene had the incredible ability to reach out to people, helping them to connect with one another. Whether it was a stop by for coffee, a phone call or text, he stayed close to those he loved, including his many nieces, nephews, and also children of his good friends to whom he was an honorary uncle. He also took first place at mentoring, as his sage advice helped many people through challenges great and small.

Although taken too soon, not a day went by that he didn’t appreciate his life and everyone in it.

Your laughter and your” joie de vivre” will be missed.

Left to carry on his legacy is his wife Anita; children Jason (Karley), David and Stephanie; grandchildren Paige and Hailey; siblings Denise (Ron), Janet (Ken), Roger (Jeanne), Pauline (Lucien), Al (Kelli), Diane (Frank) and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Roland and Lucille and his daughter-in-law Kaleena.

The wake ceremony will be held at the Victoria Inn Winnipeg, 1808 Wellington Ave, Thursday, December 9, 2010 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm, eulogy at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.