Robert Urbain Joseph Chéné

In loving memory of  

Robert Urbain Joseph Chéné 

Peacefully, at his residence, with his four daughters by his side on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the age of 74 years.

Robert Chéné of Petawawa, formerly of Thompson, MB, dearly loved and missed by his children David (Debbie), AB; Geoff (Stacey), AB; Christine (Kristin), MB; Donna (Ivan), MB; Carolyn (Malcolm), NS; and Natalie, ON and their mother Louise Pike. Predeceased by his partner of 22 years, Irmgard Krause. Fondly remembered by Irmgard’s two sons, Matthias and Michael (Maria), ON, and grandchildren Nadia, UK (mother Darcy, ON) and Alexia (mother Yasmin), ON. Grandpa Bob to Courtney, Kelsey, Carter, Arianne, Avery and Jade. Great-grandpa to Braxton, Emery, Kennedy and Brooklynn. Born in Montreal, QC. Son of the late Jacques Chéné and Blanche Croft. Brother to André (Barb) and Nicole, both of QC. Predeceased by brother Jacques and nephew Jonathan. Uncle Robert to all his nieces and nephews. Dearly regarded by many wonderful friends.

Robert grew up in Quebec and moved at the age of 19 to Thompson, Manitoba. He worked as a Rigger for Inco and he never missed a day of work. They bought a cottage at Paint Lake in 1972 and he soon found his love for the north. Most evenings you could find him sitting around the fire enjoying the scenery. Robert was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing (enjoying many shore lunches), hunting and curling. He would annually go with his friends on fishing and hunting trips as well as bonspiels with his curling team. He was involved with his kids' sports and one year he managed his daughters Ringette team that went over to Finland and Sweden in 1986. Every summer he would take his holidays with his wife and children out east to see their family, except for one year, in 1977, when they went out west instead to see friends and his wife's two brothers.

He loved motorcycles as well and they went on many trips of which his favourite was by far Newfoundland. Robert owned a total of 13 bikes over the course of his life. 

After retirement from Inco in 2001, he moved to Sandy Lake, MB where he lived with Irmgard on the farm. He truly loved farming life and he was sad to see it go when they moved to Petawawa in 2007. Anywhere Robert lived he quickly made new connections and had a profound impact on others. He loved being outside and he was always working away at something. From Petawawa he still went back to Paint Lake for spring fishing and fall hunting with family and good buddies. He also made hunting trips to Rockway Valley with his brother and uncles for as long as he was able to do so. He also travelled several times to Germany and Austria with Irmgard visiting her family.

He was a very generous soul who loved nothing more than to give to others. He was outgoing, personable and he made friends easily. Robert left his mark imprinted on you as he touched many lives in so many ways. He had a keen eye and he could spot not one but many four leaf clovers. He always found humour in any situation and he was a good presence to be around. He was fiercely proud of all his children. Dad always had a story to tell and he kept you captivated while telling it. He was able to 'read the scene' and he had the ability to make you feel special. He gave good advice and he was always there if you needed him. "That's the key." 

"You are imprinted on our hearts, we love you Dad!"

Special thanks to Dr. Castillo for her dedicated and compassionate care as well as the amazing PSWs and nurses from Access who provided exceptional homecare to which he was incredibly grateful for.

Honouring Robert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held  on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Community Hall of Montcalm, 33 Route de Lac Rond Nord, Montcalm (Weir), QC (On the Highway 327) followed by a luncheon. Interment of ashes at 3:00 p.m. in the Chéné family plot in Rockway Valley Cemetery, Québec. Arrangements entrusted to the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke. The service can be streamed using zoom: