René Arthur Vachon

August 22, 1943 - October 10, 2023

In loving memory ~

"In Baseball, as in life, all the important things happen at home."

On October 10th, 2023, we said goodbye to our All-Star, René Arthur Vachon, who swung his last bat in Calgary, AB, at the age of 80 years.

René was born to Jake and Mary Vachon on August 22, 1943, in Red Deer, AB, where Jake was preparing to go overseas to serve in WWII. The family lived in BC after they were reunited after the war.

In Lumby, BC, René was more than just a student at CBSS. He was the local legend who could swing for the fences in both academics and on the baseball diamond. Graduating in 1961, he hit academic 'home runs' and smacked baseballs right out of the park.

As the first mayor of Lumby Teen Town, life threw a curveball when René met Merle Robinson at a "Teen Town" dance. Their love story was a grand slam, and they married in 1964.

Their journey took them to Vernon, BC, where they built their team: Rena, Nicole, and Tiffany. As a dad, René was a pitch-perfect example. The family embarked on many road trips and vacations, creating memories that could rival any championship game.

But the real game-changer was when René took on the position of coach as grandpa. René and Merle moved closer to their beloved sluggers, Melyssa and Blake, before joining Khyler, Wynter, and Jacob in Calgary. As a grandpa, René was a true All-Star.

Baseball wasn't just a sport for René; it was his lifelong passion. He loved everything about the game, from the crack of the bat to the aroma of hot dogs at the stadium. René was a 'true baseball aficionado' and had the honour of visiting all the major league stadiums during his lifetime. He even cheered for his favourite player, Willie Mays, from the stands. When he wasn't immersed in baseball or spending time with his family, René found amusement in the pages of books and the charm of John Wayne movies.

Off the baseball diamond, René was a community MVP. He volunteered, coached, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. His dedication to helping others was as unwavering as a baseball in flight.

René's professional journey began as he 'suited up' in the accounting world, articling with Rutherford Bassett & Co. in Vernon. In 1971, he became a member of the BC Institute of Chartered Accountants. René played the game in the business world with the same integrity and precision he brought to the baseball field.

René will be remembered as a true MVP of life. His good-natured spirit, unwavering honesty, and quick wit were home runs in their own right.

René is survived by his wife Merle, daughters Rena Edwards, Nicole Vachon (Jeff Guntzel), Tiffany Farrer (Mark Eeftens), and honorary daughter/niece Cheryl MacNeill (Tony), and grandchildren Melyssa Edwards (Jason Beals), Blake Edwards, Khyler Farrer, Wynter Farrer, and Jacob Eeftens.

He is also survived by his sister Maureen Glaus (Joerg) and four brothers: Les, Gerry (Louisa), Bill (Linda), and Lance (Beth); sister-in-law Frances McKeown; brother-in-law Joe Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and fur-babies whom he loved dearly.

René was predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law Earle and Betty Robinson, sisters-in-law Lorna Bryce, Louise Robinson, Dorothy Vachon, and Ann Procter, brothers-in-law Don Procter, Tom Helm, and Ken Bryce, nephews Randy Robinson and Christopher Glaus, and cherished friend Father George Abeka-Mensah.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of René's life is planned for 1:30 p.m., July 18th, 2024, in Lumby, BC, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with interment in Lumby cemetery. Please join us in celebrating a life well-lived while representing your favourite sports team.