Vision

The funeral for my dad went beautifully. Thank you to all who were able to participate and come. The funeral was recorded and is available to friends and family on a two audio CD set for the asking. Here are two photos that were on the slideshow at the funeral:

The following obituary appeared in the Chilliwack Progress newspaper on Friday, April 21st, 2006.

Robert (Bobby) Champagne went home to his Heavenly Father Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at the age of 62.

He was born August 5, 1943 to Bob and Rita Champagne in Manchester, NH. He attended high school and college in Sherbrooke, Quebec, then graduated from Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore MD with a MA in Divinity in 1969.

On July 9, 1982 he married Lois (Habrial). Together they made their home in the Eastern Townships of Quebec for 14 years. During this time God blessed them with five children. In 1996 Robert moved his family to Chilliwack, BC, Canada where they have resided until the present.

Robert loved God, his family, and his church family. He was a member of New Hope Mennonite Church of Marysville, WA. Robert is survived by Lois, his wife of 23 ½ years; five children, Hannah, Joshua, Ruth, Joseph and Jonathan; his mother Rita Champagne; his three siblings, Bill (Sue) Champagne, Doris (John) Orzechowski, and Rick (Annemarie) Champagne; and other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father.

Lois and the family wish to express heartfelt appreciation for those who have prayed for them and otherwise shown love, care, and support during Robert's 19-month battle with cancer. Special thanks to Drs. Grunow and Goodman and the palliative home care nursing team for their excellent care.

The funeral service is planned for Monday April 24, 2006 at 11 am at Peace Lutheran Church in Sylvana, WA with Pastor Ron Bontrager of New Hope Mennonite Church officiating. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Sylvana, WA.

Although we as Robert's family will miss our husband and father deeply, we know that because of Christ's death and resurrection, we will one day be reunited to spend eternity with the Lord Jesus in heaven.

Donations in Robert's memory may be made to Christian Aid Ministries P.O. Box 360, Berlin, OH 44610. Click HERE to view/print a PDF.

I just want to take a moment to say "Thank-you" on behalf of our family, to all who have sent their love and condolences.

Some of the details for the funeral have been finalized, so I'll list them here:

• Funeral will be Monday, April 24th, 2006, 11:00am at Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana, WA. (directions below)
• Pastor Ron Bontrager (New Hope Mennonite Church) officiating.
• Interment immediately following at Valley View Cemetery (directions below)
• (More details will be posted as they become available)

Directions to Peace Lutheran Church, Silvana WA:

• From Chilliwack click HERE (Google Maps)
• Coming North on I-5 click HERE
• If you need more info or can't access the directions listed above email:

Directions to Valley View Cemetery from Pioneer HWY in Silvana: (from website)

Directions to Cemetery: from Pioneer Hwy in Silvana, turn west on Larson Rd
(near new Lutheran Church), go over tracks and then over bridge.  Head up the
hill and take the first left.  On the left is a white fence surrounding what
looks like an ordinary driveway.  Follow the driveway up until you see the metal
cattle gate (it looks locked but is simply chained.)  This well hidden cemetery
has a beautiful view of the Silvana/Norman valley.

My dad, Robert A. Champagne (1943-2006) passed away early this morning
after a long struggle with prostate cancer. I will post more
information, funeral time & place, etc. when it becomes available.
Thank you all for your love and prayers.