Linda & Emile Chicoine

It is with profound sadness that the family of Linda Chicoine announce her sudden passing following post-surgical complications on Monday Dec 21, 2020 at St. Paul’s hospital in Saskatoon, SK.

Linda Mae Chicoine (Read) was born on July 11, 1953 in Shellbrook, SK, to Mabel and Ernie Read of Foxdale, SK. Her first years were spent on the family farm across the lane from her grandparents, Nanny and Pappy Lacey. Linda loved time spent with her grandparents; she and Nanny shared a special bond.

Linda was predeceased by her father, Ernie on March 6, 1961; and by her mother, Mabel on January 14, 1998.

In 1969 Mabel, Linda and her sister Gwen moved to London, ON, where both girls spent their remaining school years. While in London, Linda had several knee surgeries to repair weakened muscles which affected her ability to walk comfortably. Linda completed a two-year diploma in Library Technology from Fanshawe College. Her love of reading had provided the perfect career choice.

In 1978, Mabel and the girls returned to Saskatchewan to reside in Melfort. Linda’s work as a nanny provided her with the opportunity to meet Emile who was a Day Care Staff member in Melfort. Their love story began and flourished for 40 years after their initial meeting at a daycare conference. They married July 11, 1981, in Prince Albert, SK. Together they lived and worked in Prince Albert for many years before their move to Saskatoon, where they enjoyed a wonderful life together.

Linda and Emile made numerous friends and memories while in Saskatoon. Linda had a great sense of humor and could never find fault in anyone. She loved to coffee at Market Mall where she also enjoyed the weekly indoor walks with a group of ladies. Recently, she joined a walking group and exercise class at the Saskatoon Field House. Her passion for reading never changed and her dedication to Emile never waned. In later years she spent hours reading out loud to Emile in their evenings at home. She was an avid Jeopardy fan, and she knew most of the answers. Her other pastime activities were crossword puzzles, and she was a whiz at them. Linda loved Emile and they were inseparable, enjoying each day together no matter where they were or what they did. Her love and devotion also extended to her family and she never missed the opportunity to attend family weddings, reunions or casual get togethers. She loved entertaining the younger children and they loved her attention. She had a way with kids and could read to them or craft with them for hours. Linda belonged to a local chapter of the Red Hat Society, where she had so much fun and fellowship with the ladies in her group. She wore with pride the many glorious hats, pins, or other “Red Hat” accessories. Linda had a zest for life, she was kind, joyful and loved a good giggle. She experienced numerous health challenges over her lifetime, but she never gave up and never complained. She loved all people, neighbors, family, and friends. She inspired those around her by her eternal optimism and self-deprecating humor.

Linda is survived by her beloved sister, Gwen; and nephew Geoff; as well as numerous cousins from both her and Emile’s families.

Emile Romeo Chicoine, age 69 passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020 with his loving family surrounding him.

Emile was born March 14, 1951, in Prince Albert, SK, to Alma and Raymond Chicoine. His birth resulted in a physical disability; however, this did not stop him from living his life to the fullest. After moving to Calgary in 1966, he graduated from Bishop Grandin School. He lived with his only sister, Celine, while he pursued post-secondary education, however due to many prejudices returned to Prince Albert.

His love of children landed him a job in a day care center in Melfort, where he met his wife and soulmate, Linda Read. They were married in 1981. They overcame many hurdles during their almost 40 years of marriage. While they lived in Prince Albert, Emile worked as a security guard at the Macintosh Mall and later at SIAST Woodlands Campus.

Emile and Linda enjoyed many camping trips with his family at various lakes around Prince Albert in the 1951 International Bus turned camper. Their love for lake life continued when his parents purchased a cabin at Weyakwin Lake where many family get togethers took place. Emile loved to be out on the water in a boat or on the beach.

After Emile retired, they moved to Saskatoon. He loved to walk and explore the city and you could bump into him at any of the malls. Here he met many people and enjoyed many activities including bowling. There was never a shortage of people for him to coffee with.  He enjoyed playing cards and games, enjoyed the arts and music. He especially liked Garth and Dolly.

Emile and Linda loved to travel and were able to do a bit of travelling to Arizona, California, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.

Despite everything, Emile was self-sufficient, independent, had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Never complaining or feeling sorry for himself reminded the rest of us to be grateful for our abilities.  He had knowledge of any subject you cared to converse with him about. He especially loved the Roughriders and had acquired many collectibles which he proudly displayed in their apartment.

His magnetic personality attracted numerous friends over the years, one of them being Udo who drove him around Calgary in his Hilman Minx convertible.

Emile is survived by his brothers, Eugene (Donna), Martin (Sharon), Paul (Brenda), Mitch (Michelle); his brother-in-law, Alfred Beaulac; and his sister-in-law, Gwen Read, and her son, Geoff, with whom he had a special connection. Numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly.

Emile was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Alma Chicoine; his sister, Celine Beaulac; and his loving wife, Linda just 9 days before him.