October 16, 1955 - October 20, 2021
In loving memory ~ On October 20, 2021, after a brief illness, René Wilfrid Joseph Brunelle, joyfully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior - his new and everlasting home.
Born October 16, 1955 to Germain and Phyllis Brunelle in Quesnel B.C., René spent his first 12 years in Dawson Creek B.C. In the late 1960's the family resettled in Vernon B.C. René met his bride Glenda, in his late teens, and they were married May 1, 1976. René is survived by Glenda (née Abernathy), his wife and best friend of 45 years, along with his 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Sons: Matthew (Michelle) Ethan, Selah, Jared and Peter. Jesse (April), Katie, Tessa, Rylee and Luke. David (Annie), Charlie, Olivia and Mya. Daughters: Cherry and Joey. (All Brunelle) René was predeceased by 4 of his children: Michael (1984), Cherise (1994), Peter (1995), and Aerin (2000). René is also survived by his brothers Denis (Cindy), Marty (Julie) , Gerry (Lorelei), and sister Janine. And many nieces and nephews.
Serving Vernon and area, under René's Repairs for over 47 years as an auto-mechanic. René's personalized, practical and quality attention to best value for customer benefit, earned him a reputation as a loved and trusted business man. Standard customer appointment usually included the extra black coffee (René's), purchased alongside their own, to be sipped together. René, would do his repairs, and the customer would perch atop the tall, blue Napa stool - as chatting ensued. René laid his wrenches down officially, when the family acreage was sold in August of 2020.
Affectionately known to the grandchildren as Papa, each one enjoyed rich relationships with him, from the 2 yr.old-to the 17 yearold.
Some of René's favorite things include: Motor home "toodles" (as his daughters deemed them), sweetheart Glenda beside, off for another adventure!
Work/fun projects alongside sons and daughters and grandchildren. These times were affectionately referred to as father-daughter bonding by his girls, especially when they wanted or needed his expertise.
A highlight for René, was the annual "Crusher Rally". An event planned, plotted and anticipated all year long. Three days and 1000km of B.C's worst back roads, as well as many lumps, bumps, mosquito bites and various other excitement. All of his sons, daughters, and several grandchildren were apart of the rally each year, as well as many other crazy minded folks! Each team navigated and drove "beaters" worth no more than $700 tops! Great Fun!
The many and assorted family get togethers, whole "fan-damily" in tow - ranked top on René's leisure activity list.
René knew how to give it his all - in whatever he put his mind or hand to-be it work or play. He knew how to take in the richness of manifold blessings as he lived out each day, allotted to him.
We all love you René, Dad, Papa. You are the best!
Your legacy lives on!! Affectionately yours---Your Family