Perron, Rhéal
It is with great regret that we inform you of the sudden death of Rhéal R. Perron, on February 3, 2024, at the age of 90, following a massive heart attack. Rhéal was born in Astorville on December 8, 1933. He is now with his beloved wife Armande, who passed away 30 years ago. Rhéal is survived by his four children and their families, one brother and three sisters-in-law: his children: Josée (Paul), Lyse (Jean-Marc), Charles (Jo-Anne) and Alain; his grandchildren Natalie (Jean), Philippe, Vincent (Stephanie), Nicolas (Caroline), Martin (Grace), Patrick, Stephanie, Justin and Emilie; his great-grandchildren: Théodore, Thomas, Elle-Rey, Alexi, Zoé and Théo; his brother Ronald and his sisters-in-law Cécile (late Arnel), Germaine (late Hector), Georgette (late Aurel). Rhéal is predeceased by his parents Henri and Emma (Guillemette) and his other siblings: Adrien (Rolande), Camille (Angela), Lina (Léandre), Henriette (Wilfrid), Lucienne (Théophile) and Alcide (Roselia).
Rhéal was a pioneer of Francophone education in Ontario. He was the founding principal of École secondaire catholique Algonquin, the founder of Café-Chantant and a strong promoter of extracurricular activities. He has served on various school boards in our region as Superintendent of Education, president of le Conseil scolaire Franco-Nord, founding president of the Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) and was its president for five years. He was very involved with the Association canadienne de l'éducation de langue française (ACELF) and was given a place of honour by being named a member of the Compagnie des Cents Associés du Canada, a group he chaired for four years. Following the death of his beloved Armande, Rhéal returned to school at the age of 70 and was ordained a diocesan priest on December 8, 2006. He served his church for 10 years in the parishes of Blezard Valley, Verner and Lavigne.
Rhéal loved fishing, hunting and anything that allowed him to appreciate nature, especially with his family at Camp des Pins. He enjoyed wood working and made beautiful furniture and knick-knacks as gifts for his family. Finally, he was an avid fan of the Montreal Canadians, cowboy movies, and he loved to cook.
The family will receive your condolences on Thursday, February 8, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be held at the same location on February 9 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice https://nipissingserenityhospice.ca/ who watched over Rhéal so well during his final hours.
