Father Armand Guenette
Armand Leo Guenette was born to Jean-Baptiste and Eva (nee Marion) Guenette on September 21, 1926, in St. Boniface, Manitoba. He was the youngest of eight children. When he was four, the family moved from La Broquerie, Manitoba to Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. He attended school with the Sisters of Jesus and Mary and then went on to College Mathieu with the Oblate Fathers. After graduating from College Mathieu in 1949, Armand entered the seminary in St. Boniface, Manitoba. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 14th, 1953. Father Guenette served many parishes and missions in southern Saskatchewan including Willow Bunch, Dollard, Hodgeville, Gravelbourg, Gull Lake and Swift Current. In 2006 Father Guenette retired and returned to his hometown of Gravelbourg. Even in retirement he continued to serve the parish by celebrating weekly Masses at the Pioneer Villa and daily Mass at the Chapel at the Foyer d’Youville. He continued to celebrate Mass at the Chapel up until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Father Guenette presided over countless wedding masses and baptisms over the years including many for family members. Armand loved to travel. He made numerous trips to Jasper as well as the Columbia Ice Fields. He took many trips to California with his sister Rose. He also had a passion for cooking. Armand began to suffer from poor health just over a year ago. It was then that he moved from the Villa to the Foyer d’Youville. As he demonstrated through all his life, he never complained about not feeling well and kept his witty sense of humour right to the end. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4th at the age of 90. Armand was predeceased by his parents Jean-Baptiste and Eva and his siblings Rose, Helene, Henri, Hector, Irene, Eugene and Edmond. He is survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Prayer Vigil was held on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., and Mass of the Christian Burial on Monday, January 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., both at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK. Main celebrant for the Mass was the Most Reverend Archbishop Donald Bolen. Concelebrants were Father Hope Klutsey and Priests of the Archdiocese of Regina. Cross bearer was Marianne Miskolzie. Readers were Camille Bolen and Marcel Bolen. Prayers of the faithful were shared by Marianne Miskolzie. Offertory gifts were presented by Archie and Laurie Bouffard. Soloist Andre Moquin was accompanied by organist Leona Bourgeois. Pallbearers were Archie Bouffard, Eugene Bolen, Adrien Bolen, Rick Bolen, Marcel Bolen, and Camille Bolen. Interment will take place at a later date at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Father Guenette to the Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 and Masses were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca