Deleau, Albert: With family by his side, Ab passed away on the morning of August 6, 2015 at his residence in the Souris Personal Care Home. Ab was born January 25th, 1922, to Gaston and Valdemire Deleau, the youngest of 3 children. He was born and grew up on the family farm in Deleau Manitoba. He took all his schooling in Deleau where he met his wife Claris Jasper. They married October 30, 1944. They farmed and raised their family in the Deleau district until they retired to Souris in 1979. Over nearly 71 years of marriage came 4 children, Al (Brenda) Deleau, Linda (Gil) Van Daele, Bob (Darlene Cross) Deleau and Val (Dexter) Kowalchuk. Ab was so proud of his 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and he got to meet his first great-great grandchild last year. Each one had a special spot in grandpa’s heart, he always knew what all of them were up to and loved teasing them right till the end Ab loved being around people, whatever their age, there never seemed to be a generation gap. He could always find a common ground, whether it was talking farming, playing cards, playing pool, curling or ball. He loved reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Ab had a great love for baseball, fastball, slow pitch, coaching and just watching, he loved it all. He played till he was 83. He won 5 World Series slow pitch championships and gave each of his children one of his prized championship rings. He was inducted into the softball hall of fame twice, once as coach with the Souris Blues ladies fastball team, and once as a player with the Manitoba Coyotes .Ab never took the game lightly, he was a serious competitor on the field and was never afraid to let the umpire know what was on his mind, but once the game was over he could sit down and chat it up with his opponents and the odd ump. A private graveside service was held on August 16, 2015 at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. A celebration of life with many friends, family and fellow ball players was held that afternoon at the park in Deleau. In memory of Ab, donations may be made to the Souris Personal Care Home, Box 10, Souris Mb. R0K 2C0.
In the last few days of his life when we knew he was too tired to go on, our dream was for dad to round third base and steal home one last time. We knew he would be safe.
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Claris and family. I so enjoyed helping you work on the puzzles last year on my visits home!! Ab will be missed.
Sending a hug to you Val and to your family. Tuck away all those special memories; they do become a treasure. You’re in our hearts and in our thoughts.
We send the Deleau family our sincere condolences. We remember Ab as an excellent ball player , a good team player and as a true gentleman. He was an excellent role model to everyone who played the game.
Our deepest sympathy, Linda. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Deepest Sympathy to the Deleau family . May special memories help you through this difficult time.
Bob and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad, I always enjoyed our visits when he would stop by the dealership. I hope you find comfort in your happy memories during this difficult time.
Take care,
Shannon
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ab. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna Couvier
With deepest sympathy to Ab’s family! Our thoughts are with you!
Our deepest of sympathy to you Auntie Claris and all of your family. So happy to be able to have you both as my Aunt and Uncle.
Hi Claris and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Knowing Ab on and off the ball field was a privilege. Take care
Carol and Walter
So sorry to hear of Ab’s passing! Our sympathy to your families! Ab will always be remembered by many as the pillar of fastball in the area. We had many visits on the ball diamonds over the years. He will be sadly missed by all!
Aunti Claris Al Linda Bob Val and families
My sincere condolences and prayers are with you all. I have MANY amazing memories of my summers spent with Uncle Ab on the farm–going to “fair” days, baseball, taking dinners to the field, water fights right thru the house and many more. A fun and gentle man who loved calling the ladies in his “sis”. Loved him!! Love to all of you and God bless.
Helen and Tom Cherwinski Robert Lana Lori and families.
Sincerest sympathy to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers to you Claris and your family.
Mr baseball, he was known far and wide and had many fans of all ages. He will be missed but never forgotten. Sincere sympathy to your families.
Claris and family, our deepest sympathy, we have many fond memories of Ab from baseball days. What a wonderful man, he will be missed.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. He was such a sportsman, so competitive, loved to watch his kids and grand kids play sports!! He was so proud of all you guys!! We are thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of Ab’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
My uncle Ab will always hold a dear spot in my heart!!!! I remember the many
Family Christmas ‘s we had all together in each of our Deleau farm houses as a child growing up, & he was always JOKING!!! There was much laughter when he was around. His ‘twinkle ‘ in his eyes will always remain with me.
..I am so pleased that I Visited with him in the personal care home & of course in their house with Aunty Claris..
I am sure he is RUNNING THE BASES UP IN HEAVEN !!!!!
God bless!!!!