Obituary of René Leo Robert DUMAIS

December 20, 1959 – Timmins, Ontario
January 23, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

René Dumais, beloved husband of Diane Elizabeth Dumais (nee  Noseworthy ) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the age of 61 years.

René was born in Timmins Ontario on December 20, 1959. René met Diane in 1989. It was love at first sight and he became an important part of raising two children. Fatherhood was new territory for him but he was determined and dedicated to being an amazing dad. He married Diane in 1997. He moved to Calgary, Alberta in 2014 to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

René graduated from the George Brown College with a diploma in butchery. He continued on to operate a successful business “The Butcher Shop” located in Timmins. He was a huge part of the community and contributed too many family gatherings by providing Grade A meats. Anyone who shopped there knew that you had to be in extra early to get his famous Italian sausage on a weekend. He took pride in ensuring that customers got the best of the best.

René was a gifted musician; he could sing and play anything with strings. Many of his days were spent making music and entertaining others. You could say that it was part of his soul. He also enjoyed teaching new musicians the gift of playing stringed instruments.

René accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of producing his own music. Most weekends you would find him on a stage playing sets doing what he loved.

René was a fighter, he was committed to live. From a young age, the odds where stacked against him. He was tough; he was strong and even when he was at war with his own body he fought everyday to keep living. René was a warrior and an inspiration to all of us.

He will be most remembered for his sense of humour, his gift with stringed instruments and his love for his family, his pets, and music. Those who knew him, those who listened to him play music and those who shared in his life will be forever touched for knowing his heart.

Besides his loving wife, Diane, René is survived by his daughter Estelle Dufour and son-in-law Aaron Dufour of Cochrane Alberta; son Shane McMorrow and daughter-in-law Aileen Harley of Calgary Alberta; and two grandchildren, Ryder and Avery Dufour, of Cochrane, Alberta.

René is also survived by brother Guy Dumais of Timmins, Ontario; a sister Nicole Benoit and brothers-in-law Gary Benoit, of North Bay as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his mother Mildred (1984), his father Leo (2001) and his brother Paul (2002).

A Funeral Service will be held for 20 attendees, on January 28, 2021 at start time 3 p.m. All others are invited to join Mr. Dumais’s service streamed live at https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/32443/Ren-DUMAIS/obituary.html#tribute-start on the day of the service.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Rene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of René Dumais, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

Below is a message and video from Bruce Fauvelle:

"Miss my weekend card buddy... Friend for over 50 years... many memories... Many projects together. Here is but one.

He and I worked on this video of this song that he wrote and produced in 1996.  He is the one singing and playing guitar."