Roger died peacefully on May 29, 2020 at his residence in Parkwood Court, Victoria. Roger will be mourned by his daughters Louise Costello (Michael) of Victoria and Suzanne Brisson (Gerald) of Katy, Texas; son-in-law Steven Kawai of Mississauga; grandchildren Patrick (Liane) of Los Angeles, CA, Mark (Carolyn) and Daniel (Amber) Costello of Victoria; David (Alison) of Ottawa and Paul (Lena) Kawai of Toronto; Eric of Las Vegas, NV, Thomas (Abigail) of Houston, TX and Madeline Brisson of Jacksonville Beach, FL; great-grandchildren Roger, Jocelyn, Jack, and Claire Costello. Roger was predeceased by his wife of 69 years Loraine (2016), son John (1991), and daughter Claire Kawai (2013).
Roger was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1924. From an early age, he had a love for movies and music. Growing up, going to see a film at the theatre was the highlight of his week. He met Loraine, the love of his life, as a teenager and was determined not to lose her even when he went away to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, at the age of 18. Upon discharge in 1945, Roger articled as a Chartered Accountant with John Shelly and Company, Winnipeg, and worked there until he began his 30-year career in Human Resources at St 
Boniface General Hospital. Roger reunited with Loraine in 1945 and they wed in 1947. They raised their son and three daughters in St. Boniface.
Music filled the Vadeboncoeur home, all forms of jazz – traditional, big band, swing, gospel and the blues, as well as popular French singers, and Broadway musicals. Roger acquired impressive record and movie collections which he loved to share with his children and grandchildren. He passed on his love for music and the arts to them; this will be his lasting legacy. In 1986, Roger and Loraine moved to Victoria where they enjoyed the fruits of retirement – leisure, travel, volunteering, and enjoying their growing family. Their children visited often, and here is where treasured memories were made with their seven grandsons and one granddaughter, driving to practices and camps, attending special events, or just hanging out – playing cards, pool, poker, scrabble, or doing crossword puzzles, always, of course, listening to music and munching on chocolate bars! Roger will be remembered for his sharp mind, his gentlemanlike manner, his wit and his ever so kind heart.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Parkwood Court, Roger’s home for his final years, for their excellent care, the nursing staff at RJH Medical Day Care for their unfailing kindness during Roger’s long treatment appointments, as well as his faithful pastoral visitor whose friendship and stimulating conversation Roger valued.
A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Parish, Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lucy and Ray Decloux Even after moving to the Vancouver area over 50 years ago we were still able to follow some of the life of Lorraine and Roger – because our daughter Denise had forged a life-long friendship with Suzanne!
And though we never had another chance to visit there was a connection that exists and so it is always a loss when someone leaves our realm, even though it is to finally gain the eternal reward which God has promised.
We offer our sympathies to all of the family and especially to Susie Gowithgoodheart!
Lucy and Ray Decloux
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LOUISE DUPASQUIER (cairns) So sorry to read in the Winnipeg Paper today of the passing of your
papa. Such a wonderful man, but he is now with the love of his life
my precious friend Loraine, his son John and daughter Claire. Thinking
of all of you he left behind – hugs and kisses. Sincerely, Louise (Cairns)
Dupasquier from Carman, Manitoba
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Father William Roger, we will always remember you and I am grateful to have met you and to talk about a faith that seeks to understand.
Rest in peace and remember mercy within mercy within mercy.
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Margaret Brasseux Thanks for sharing your father’s obituary. He sounded like a wonderful person full of life and joy. I wish I could have had a chance to meet. I do know that some of his caring, gentle traits were passed down to his daughters. Suzanne, you and your sister showed a lot of love and compassion in looking after both your father and mother. I know they had to be proud of both of y’all. So glad we have become friends.
Suzanne and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I hope you and your family are doing well, given the circumstances. Deepest condolences.
Susan