Camille Joseph Côté

June 27, 2023

Camille Joseph Côté was a blessed man who lived a very full 75 years.

His first two years were in an orphanage until he was adopted. At 12 years old he returned to the orphanage for a short time. After brief stays with a couple of foster families, he would be blessed with his forever family, the Dalcourts.

As a young man he joined the Navy where he really did get to see the world, Bermuda, Copenhagen, Portugal among many other places. He was also able to see our wonderful country from coast to coast.

After five years of service, his love of photography brought him to Winnipeg. Here his joy of flat roads and speed (and a few too many tickets) kept him from leaving. Next came his love for Joan, a young prairie girl and her beautiful smile. Little did he know the joy the next 44 ½ years would bring!

Together Joan and Camille were blessed with two daughters, Serina, and Michelle. Later in life he gained two sons-in-law, Colin, and Paul. The arrival of their grandsons, Gabriel, and Eli, brought him immense joy in his new role as Papère.

As his family grew so did his faith. With his family and friends, Camille grew to love our Lord and Saviour. His commitment to Christ and the church was strengthened through his involvement with Worldwide Marriage Encounter and the Knights of Columbus. During his illness, Camille’s faith, brought strength to himself and those around him.

Camille's 29-year career with Flynn Canada Ltd took him and his family from Winnipeg to Calgary to Abbotsford. After his retirement, Camille and Joan enjoyed vacationing to the East Coast, California, Italy, France, and Ireland. Camille felt blessed to encounter beautiful places and people in our world.

Camille loved to talk! Sometimes his French accent provided humour to conversations ‘Coffee Crips anyone??’ He welcomed the opportunity to share stories of his life, his love, and his experiences - what you saw was what you got; but what we got was so much love. His laughter -contagious, his openness - heartwarming, his honesty - sincere, his caring attitude - genuine, and his willingness to help others - a blessing to many.

In 2019 he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia. In 2020 he received the devastating diagnosis of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP). Throughout the last few years, he continued to navigate these insidious illnesses with strength, humour, faith, and the love of his family and friends. These dreadful diseases took his voice, his body and eventually his life. He never complained but rather saw the blessings in each day.

Many thanks to family and friends who supported us from near and far. Thank you to Dr. J. Stoessl, Dr. Iqbal, Dr. Greyling for their care, compassion, and honesty. Special thanks to Jenna, Kara, Aman, and Jillian.

Donations can be made at www.pspawareness.com

He was strong and now we must be. He will spend eternity with our Lord and all those who have gone before him. We will spend our eternity here on earth sharing his story. Keep watch over us my love. You are missed and loved very much.

For those who are able, we invite you to join us on Saturday, July 8th at St James Parish, 2777 Townline Road, Abbotsford at 11am for Camille’s funeral service. If you are unable to join us in person, please visit our Live Stream video: https://www.facebook.com/abbotsfordcatholic/live_videos/

For those who are able we invite you to join us on Tuesday, July 11th for a celebration of Camille’s life at Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, 264 Donwood Drive, Winnipeg at 1:30pm to 3:30pm. We look forward to seeing you and sharing memories of Camille

Messages of Condolence

Camille was such an inspiration for life and especially for love. We were so blessed to call him friend and to be a part of ME with both of you! We will remember him forever and miss him always!

- Brenda Webb

Such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. We were blessed to call him friend. May God hold you close as you remember Camille and the love of family and friends bring you comfort.

- Laura Gannon

My deepest condolences, Joan and family, for the loss of your wonderful partner in life, father and grandfather. He will live on in your hearts, and one day your tears will be replaced with a smile as you remember the life you shared. Wishing you peace in the days ahead.

- Grace Page

My sincere condolences at this sad time to you, Joan and your family. Will be thinking of you . Cousin Rosemary.

- Rosemary LaRue (née Groinus)

Joan, we're so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences to your family. Sending love to you during this difficult time.

- Pamela & Jonathan

What a beautiful eulogy for a beautiful man! I remember Dad straining to understand Camille’s accent and then bursting out laughing when he got the joke…there was always lots of joking at the table when you visited Anola. I remember how passionate he was about Marriage Encounter and the uplifting change it made in mom and dad’s relationship. Thank for you your dedication to strong marriages. I imagine mom would have pushed right to the front of the line when Camille crossed over, ready with a big hug and tears of happiness to see him again. Gosh, life is full and wonderful, with all its human ups and downs, and to have faith in life everlasting is a most comforting feeling. Bless you all as you embark on the tender healing journey. Love from Melanie

- Melanie

Joan and family Our sincere condolences for your loss. Kevin and Bonnie Nimchuk

- Kevin Nimchuk

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with you Joan and family through this difficult time in life of grieving for the loss of Camille. A man who is and always will be remembered as a great Husband, Father Grandfather. Camille was also a great friend to many of us and will be missed dearly. Gods Blessing for strength to all.

- Richard and Helen Nelson

Camille will fondly be remembered for his devotion to his beautiful family ; his love of life and that wholesome laugh. His immense connection with his faith was inspiring. He will continue to watch over his loved ones without fail. We will miss him dearly as he now rests in eternal peace.

- Rose and Bruce Kinshella

I first met Camille in 2005 when I was first starting with Flynn, he was so patient with his time and really helped me grow and learn. I will always remember his infectious laugh, and wry smile when he knew something funny was about to come. Thank you for all of your help and guidance Monsieur Côté, all of the best to Joan and family.

- Mike Walis

To be blessed with so much is a wonderful thing. To recognize it, appreciate it and celebrate it, is divine. Camille celebrated the people in his life and his many gifts from God inviting the rest of us to celebrate with him. Thank you, Camille, for the delight, joy and brightness you sparked. Thank you, Joan, for the example of joy in sorrow and faithfulness. Thank you, both, for loving people well. An inspiring legacy that I know you will find the strength to continue. Peace be with you.

- Colleen Derrick

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