It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rene Prevost on Saturday, May 18, 2019, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, at the age of 74 years.

Rene was born in Sexsmith, AB on March 14, 1945 to Leo and Alberta Prevost. He stayed on the farm until he was 6 years old, when he was sent to Dawson Creek, BC for a year of schooling. He then came back to Grande Prairie to live with his Grandma LeBlond and attended school at St. Joe’s. Rene attended College in Edmonton; his first year at Mary’s Tech, and his second year at Holy Redeemer College. After that he returned home to tend the family farm with his dad. When the farm was sold, he headed out to find a different path. He apprenticed to be a mechanic for about 2 years at a car dealership, drove truck, and did carpentry.

After all that, he apprenticed in the optical business as an optician. This career captured his heart, and he worked 28 years as an optician, while owning and being a partner in three of the optical clinics in the Peace Region. He met many people in his line of work, and he enjoyed and loved his work.

Feeling the need for a change, he spread his wings and started his second passion: working with safety supplies as a Salesman for GP Fire Extinguisher and Safety. He was a very successful sales man there for 22 years. He always looked forward to seeing his customers, not just in Grande Prairie, but also on the road when he travelled. Rene always put 100% of himself into his job, and always provided well for his family.

Rene enjoyed college hockey and also coached and co-coached minor hockey in 1966. He joined Kinsmen and was a member for 19 years until he was 40. He then moved his membership to K-40. He worked on archives for the group, which he enjoyed immensely. He also enjoyed countless events and activities with them over the years and made many friendships. In 1978, his highlight was winning the Alberta Championship Curling trophy, which had not been won by the GP Club since their charter in 1942.

Rene was one of the founders of the Peace Auto Association (Drag Racing Club) in 1968-69. He loved racing cars and was always proud of all he accomplished for the drag racing community. Rene’s other passion and love was nature, which he enjoyed most when at his cabin at the Wapiti. Lots of good times with friends and family were spent at the cabin.

In his younger years, Rene was the life of the party. He attended many social events, golf tournaments, weekend camping at the cabin and hockey trips. He also enjoyed years of hunting, fishing, curling and gardening.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Barb of 47 years; daughter Connie (Mike) Gaskin and grandchildren Tony, Ryan and Aaron; son Troy and granddaughter Chaianne; and daughter Robyn (Harold) and grandchildren Brandon and Madison. Also left behind to mourn are his sisters: Cam Switzer, Yvonne (Murray) Lewis, Eugene Prevost; brother in-law George (Gloria) Harding; sister in-law Janet McTavish-Harding; along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is missed by his faithful sidekick, the cat and especially man’s best friend, his dog Heidi.

Rene was predeceased by his parents Leo and Alberta Prevost, brother Fran Prevost, brothers in-law Lloyd and Floyd Harding, and John Switzer, son Clay Prevost and in-laws Edward and Elizabeth Harding.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 2:00pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2019-05-18
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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