It is with gratitude for a life well lived and a man much loved that we announce the peaceful passing of JOSEPH MAXIME R?AL POIRIER at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on January 13, 2023. 

Our family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and Healthcare workers on 4C who provided exceptional care and attention to him for the past two months. 

R?al or George as he was known to family and friends, was a remarkable human being who had a love for his family, zest for life and a passion for sports, especially hockey and golf. His dogs were also very important to him and provided much joy. 

Born in St. Louis de Kent, New Brunswick, R?al grew up during a time of struggle and sacrifice across the county.  This served to teach R?al not only how to survive but how to succeed when life was hard and opportunities were not easy to come by. R?al joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1954 and served for 20+ years, retiring as a Sergeant in his mid forties. Several of these years were spent overseas in various countries, five of which were in Germany.  Marilyn and R?al had lots of adventures and experiences meeting wonderful people who became good friends. 

Not one to sit on his laurels, R?al and family settled in Lethbridge in 1976. Within a short time, he took a position with the City of Lethbridge at the Enmax Centre (Sportsplex) as a Facilities Foreman.  When R?al wasn't working, he was always there to offer his help with any project "big or small" and assisted family, friends and neighbours in anyway he could - he really was an exceptionally skilled handyman.   

Already a big hockey fan of the Montreal Canadiens, R?al and Marilyn grew to support and love a new club, the Lethbridge Hurricanes (Broncos). Even after retiring in 1997, R?al and Marilyn continued as season ticket holders attending almost every home game, year after year. His love for hockey was only surpassed by his love for his family. 

In his later years, R?al always had a project on the go and continued to keep himself busy working around the house and yard.  Traveling and camping (RVing) with friends were important times during retirement.  For R?al, playing Crib, Euchre, doing crosswords, telling stories and re-living adventures with friends and neighbors was time well spent. 

R?al is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Jeannine (Earle) Hay, grandsons Jeremy and Tyson, and son Greg (Melissa) Poirier as well as the fur babies: Bijou, Bailey, Boomer and Mocha. 

He is also survived by his siblings from Eastern Canada: Stella Daigle, Ida Roper, and Vincent Poirier and sister-in-law Eva Poirier as well as numerous extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Edmond and Alice, as well as siblings: Tilmon, Eva and Ola Poirier. 

Throughout his life, R?al met wonderful people, many of whom are still friends today. His vibrant personality was infectious to all who met him and he will be dearly missed. 

A private Family Memorial will be held for R?al. 

Donations can be to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca)