Obituary of Roger Pittet

PITTET - Roger passed away peacefully at the Swift Current Care Home on January 23, 2016. He was born on September 15, 1929 in Cardinal, Manitoba to Clara and Leon Pittet. He was the youngest of ten children and grew up on the family farm. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Denise Bazin. Roger's brothers had opened Macleods hardware stores and they took young Roger under their wing. They would eventually give him his start in the business and Roger and Denise opened their own store in Glenboro, Manitoba. In 1957 the opportunity to open a store in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan presented itself and Roger and Denise moved with their two children, Paulette, born in 1952 and Gerard in 1955. It was especially difficult for them to leave their families behind. Gravelbourg would be their home for 56 years. In 1959, Ronald was born and in 1964 Michel came along. Roger managed the Macleods store for 43 years until his son Ronald took over. Roger loved his community and he volunteered many hours to numerous organizations. He served on the Church Council, Town Council, School Board, and Jaycees Service Club. Many hours were spent on the development of the Thomson Lake Golf Club. He was an avid golfer and in later years became the Golf Pro for the club. Roger had many hobbies. He collected stamps and coins. In earlier years he and Denise travelled many miles on snow machines with friends. He loved to play ping-pong and pool. In the 60's Roger took his pilot's licence and he and Denise joined the Flying Farmers. Over the next few years they would travel in their Cessna airplane to many places, perhaps to visit their kids, or to such places as Arizona or Yellowknife. First and foremost was Roger's love of family. Though he worked long hours in the store, he always found time to go to the boys' hockey games. Almost every summer he would take the family on camping trips. Some of these trips would be with the Pittet brothers and sisters and their families. Other times, it was reunions with Denise's family. Roger loved to visit with everyone, whether it was family, friends or customers. He was friendly and always had a contagious smile. Customers and even his children could count on him being logical and pragmatic. Nieces and nephews recall his sense of humour and how he loved to tease. He connected with every member of his large and extensive family. He was loved by many. In 1964, Roger and Denise built a new home and they did much of the work themselves. They would live there for 49 years. In the early 70's they purchased a lot at Thomson Lake and spent many happy years there, improving the cottage and adding on to it. It was also during that time that they purchased a property in Mesa, Arizona where they spent their winters. Roger rued the day he had to leave Gravelbourg. It was his home, his happy place, but as he and Denise aged, they needed to move to Swift Current to be closer to family. Roger and Denise were the poster children for long and lasting love. Their devotion to each other and love for one another was a source of inspiration for their children and grandchildren. They were married for 64 years. Roger's health failed him in recent years. Losing his vision was perhaps one of the most difficult things to bear. His heart failed him in spite of surgeries and treatment. He moved into the Swift Current Care Home in November 2015. Roger will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Denise, his four children, Paulette (Bert) Legault, Gerard Pittet, Ronald (Sue) Pittet, Michel Pittet; his 8 grandchildren, Joël Legault, Brigitte Legault (Dylan), Jean-Paul Pittet (Renée), Alyssa Pittet (Craig) , Vanessa Friesen (Tyler), Michelle Pittet (Paul ), Danica Pittet, (Aaron) and Nicole Pittet (Michael); his 5 great-grandchildren, Felicity Kunz, Mercedes Kunz, Dominique Blais, Emily Handley, and Ziyah Pittet. In memory of Roger, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). A funeral mass was held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. from Our Lady Of Assumption Cathedral in Gravelbourg, SK. For further information or to sign the book of condolence, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home - Ryan Cappelle.