Obituaries

JAMES ROGER ARPIN
    It is with deep regret that we announce the death of James Roger Arpin on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, after a brief illness, at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, at the age of 60 years.   Remaining to cherish James’ memory is his sister, Vivian Gibson; nephews, Peter Gibson (Krista) and Jeffery Arpin (Lisa); great-nieces Breanna and Chantelle; great-nephew Kyle and brother, Robert Arpin (Karin). He was predeceased by his mother, Violet Arpin in 1983 and his father Leonel Roger Pierre Arpin in 1991.   On March 18, 1956, Jim was born prematurely and suffered brain damage resulting in Cerebral Palsy and profound deafness. Although facing great challenges in his life, he fought on determinedly and managed to accomplish many things that no one thought possible for him. Jim attended preschool at the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) and after many battles with the Department of Education and Minister of Education; Jim and several other children with multiple disabilities were enrolled at the Manitoba School for the Deaf; where he attended from 1962 to 1976.   After school, Jim got a job at the Deaf Centre Manitoba (DCM) on their cleaning staff. He wielded a mean mop. He rode an adult tricycle which he loved and travelled all over the city on it, meeting many people along the way. Jim loved people and animals and they loved him. He was a very attractive child and was used in several ads for the services provided by SMD. Jim touched the lives of many.   On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, Jim’s Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street @ Manitoba Avenue, with Rev. Don McIntyre, presider.     Jim’s family would like to thank all the home care workers from 125 Carriage Road, the Staff at the Deaf Centre Personal Care home for the loving care they provided for Jim and the nursing staff at the Victoria Hospital who provided strength and support to his siblings at his death. Special thanks to Phyllis Hambly and Gilbert Smerchanski for services provided to Jim over the last 11 years.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SMD Foundation, 825 Sherbrook Street Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1M5 or a charity of your choice.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com