Obituary of Laurent Rene Joseph Beaudry

December 7, 1941 – Elie, Manitoba

December 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Rene Laurent Beaudry passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021, with his devoted wife Donna by his side, at the age of 80 years.

Rene was born in Elie, Manitoba on December 7, 1941. He was the second son of Merille and Bertha Beaudry. Rene at a young age learned the business of trucking from his father.  After marrying June, he came out west to Calgary with his family in the early 1970's. Rene started a small transportation company, and he and his wife grew the company into a successful business that is still widely recognized in Calgary.  Throughout the years, if your last name was "Beaudry", you would have been given the opportunity to work at Southern Trucking. He was most proud when his family was working alongside him. He owned the company for over 45 years until his retirement in 2016. Early in his 30's, Rene found a passion in playing the game of golf. He would be found playing eighteen holes every chance he could. There was a joke that June had to grab his ear and drag him off the course when the office needed his attention. Rene and June shared many happy years together raising their family. The greatest times were having parties and get togethers in their home, or in the early days, at their cabin in Sylvan Lake. There were many family traditions including Sunday Brunch at Willow Park Golf Club. Following June's passing, Rene was lucky enough to reconnect with Donna. She moved from Winnipeg to Calgary, and they were married shortly after in 1999. Along with their shared enjoyment of golf, they were able to travel together, including a trip to Paris. Their house on the lake was always the place to be for holidays and special occasions.  Throughout their marriage they escaped the Calgary winters in Palm Springs and following retirement they happily settled into the Desert Princess Golf Community.  In the last few years, he was happiest zipping around the community in his golf cart.  Throughout his life he met many people; some he met through his love of golf and some through his business. He cherished his friends and you knew if he considered you one. One of the most important roles was as the Patriarch of his family.  He kept his family close to his heart while being encouraging and supportive.  He is leaving this world with his greatest legacy, his family. The last few years of his life, Rene had suffered with health issues.  He fought with dignity, courage, and determination. During this time, Donna was always by his side showing her love for him until the end.  His family was able to spend quality time with him at home and all say their final goodbyes.  Rene faced his mortality with a quiet dignity as he prepared for the next part of his journey. He passed away much the way he lived his life, on his own terms.

Besides his loving wife, Rene is survived by his children, Kelly, Tim, Sherri (Ken), and Nicole; his grandchildren, Santana, Kyle (Brieanna), Curtis, Kristina, Kaitlin, Derek, Taylor and Ashley; and his great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Max, Angela, Jace and Charlotte are all going to miss their special "Pepere". Rene will also be remembered by Donna's children, Sonja, Dan, Jeff; and his children Aubrey, Gabe and Lynden. He is also survived by his brothers Gilles (Terry) and Norbert (Darlene); and sister Diane. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and will also be missed by the entire Welder family.

He was predeceased by his wife June, his son Patrick and his youngest brother Alfred.

A limb has fallen from the family tree

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.”

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes, we’re together again.

A Celebration of Rene’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Thank you to the nursing staff at Home Instead who gave him extra special care and concern, you will not be forgotten.

In living memory of Rene Beaudry, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.