Obituary of Richard Patrick Parenteau

Rick Parenteau arrived into this world on January 13th, 1958. He was the first of what would eventually be eight children born to Betty and Elmer Parenteau.  

Rick’s early days were spent living, playing and wreaking havoc in the west flat. Dad helped care for his younger siblings and shared a close bond with his grandparents Rose and Patrick Parenteau.  

When his family moved to 8th street, he had no idea he was about to cross paths with his best friend and love of his life Darlene Handley. Rick and Darlene married in April of 1976 and soon welcomed their first child, Andrew, in July of the same year. A couple years and a few adventures later they welcomed Dani (Danelle). 

While the kids were young, Rick kept busy coaching hockey, attending soccer and little league games, becoming a fan of ballet and cheering at equestrian events. He was extremely dedicated to and proud of his family. 

Rick worked many jobs throughout the years. At 12 and 13 years old he’d wash dishes at the PO Cafe, as a young man he worked at Agnew Motors, spent many years at Canadian Tire. In his early 30’s Rick had the opportunity to return to school as part of the SUNTEP program. He was as such a proud Métis man who loved to sing and jig and share his proud history. He graduated from SUNTEP and started a teaching career in May 1992. 

After a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, Rick left this world peacefully on Saturday November 11th at home with his children and loving wife holding his hands. 

He is predeceased by his Father Elmer Parenteau, his stepdad Wesley Neepin, brothers Bill and Phil Parenteau, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Olga and Fergie Foster, and brother-in-law Ken Herriot. 

Rick is survived by his loving wife and best friend Darlene Handley, children Andrew (Sabrina) Parenteau and Dani (Devin) Van Steelandt, grandchildren Mackenzie, Camdyn, and Azarie Parenteau, great grandson Michael, Mother Betty Neepin, siblings Donna (Chuck) Coldwell, Terry Parenteau, Conrad (Val) Parenteau, Angela (Lyle) Demerais, Kim (Dennis) Parenteau, sisters- in- law Linda Parenteau and Sherry Parenteau as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

 A Celebration of Rick's Life will be held on Thursday November 16th, at 2:00 pm at Carlton Park Hall Community Hall, 3100 Dunn Drive, Prince Albert, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to the Lung Foundation of Saskatchewan lungfoundation.ca/donate.html. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.