Obituary of René Lemay

December 29, 1930 - March 5, 2022 

It is with much sadness that our family announces the passing of René Joseph Lemay after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 57 years, Lidia; three children, Paul (Marni) Lemay; Natasha (Derek) Borowka; Tania (Roy Klassen) Lemay; six grandchildren, Alisha and Sophie (Andy Roy), Matthew (Jordyn) and Emily, Mika and Hanna. He is also survived by his sister, Hélène (Dale) Kalbfleisch, and sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Maxine, Margaret and Robin, and brother-in-law, Roman Solowiejko, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Ambroise and Yvonne (Beaudet) Lemay, his parents in law, Bazyli and Natalia (Dudicz) Solowiejko, his brothers, Marc, Bernard, Georges, Dennis, his sister, Yvonne, his sister-in-law, Helen, and brother-in-law, Detmar Tschofen.

René was born in Trochu, Alberta, the oldest of seven children. He would often recount his childhood on the farm with the greatest of enthusiasm, from gearing up with his Habs jersey on, playing hockey on the rink that his father built each winter, to driving a grain truck to the elevators at age 11 with his mother by his side and his Border Collie Princess, at his back to push him forward, just enough to reach the pedals. His passion for the farm and interest in the Trochu community continued throughout his life. He always remained in close contact with his family members on the farm, attended many celebrations and events in Trochu, and avidly read the Three Hills Capital.

As a young man, René attended the University of Alberta obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Commerce in 1952. He articled with Price Waterhouse in Calgary, becoming a Chartered Accountant in 1956, and continued his career with the organization for 14 years. In 1969, René joined Elf Oil Exploration becoming Vice President Finance in 1973, and in 1975, along with his family was transferred to London, England as Controller of Marketing Operations for Elf-Aquitaine through 1978, and then transferred to Paris, France where they resided until 1981. René joined Canterra Energy on his return from Europe in late 1981 through 1987, and then Corexcana and Corexcal in the role of Vice President until his retirement in 1996. René continued in retirement to serve on the Board of Directors of an international oil and gas company. 

René’s life was centered around his family and friends, faith and service. René met his future wife, Lidia, through his sister Hélène, and they married in 1965. He was a devoted husband, a most caring father and grandfather, and a steadfast friend to many. As well as being an active member of parish life, René was very much involved in community work. He would often talk of his time at St. Joseph’s College as the Treasurer of the House Committee, and his work for Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Lacombe Home. He was also actively involved in the Kiwanis Festival, the Bible School in Canmore, the Calgary Alliance Française and served on the board of the Lycée Louis Pasteur.

René’s warmth, good cheer, thoughtfulness and compassion made him a joy to be with. Rene was a gentle and kind man. He will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Paul Raj at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church (321 – 90th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Luncheon to follow. Graveside Service at Queen’s Park Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Lemay’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends or family so desire, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Rockyview Hospital on Unit 72.

In living memory of René Lemay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

René's memorial card can be viewed by clicking here

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