Obituary of Roger Bruneel

Bruneel, Roger Charles

On January 11, 2019, at the age of 69, surrounded by his loving family and life-long dear friend Susan Jolley we said “see you soon” to a great man who has touched many lives. 

Roger lived his life in Chatham-Kent and is predeceased by his parents Roger (1995) and Jean (Cools - 2008).  

Roger leaves his loving “Dear” wife Helen (Kusalik) who together, after falling in love at first sight, first danced to the song “And Then He Kissed Me”.  Together they shared nearly 48 years of married life together, which included raising their two wonderful children. Roger had great pride in his kids and the amazing accomplishments they had over the years. 

The first, his beautiful daughter, Lisa (Pieta) and her wonderful husband/son-in law Robert of Chatham. Secondly his loving son Jeff, and his wife/caring daughter-in-law Valerie, both of St. Catherines. Roger was a proud Grandpa to William Pieta, Abby Bruneel, Nicholas and Randall Winger.  

He will be remembered fondly by his brother Gerry and sister-in-law Bonnie, as well as, his sister Judy Craievich and brother-in-law, Jake.  Roger’s other loving family members include his Uncle Luce Cools and his wife Deanna of Chatham, Aunt Lillian Walker of Georgia, USA, Brother-in-law Joe Kusalik (Mary Badura) of Lethbridge, AB, Sister-in-Law Mary Kusalik (predeceased by brother-in-law John in 2018) of Calgary AB and brother-in-law Ed Kusalik (predeceased by sister-in-law Joanne Holek in 2012) of Daysland, AB. Roger was also a much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

Aside from being devoted to his family, Roger was dedicated to his work of 47 years at Union Gas Ltd. and The Municipality of Chatham-Kent.  Throughout his career he wore many hats and had the opportunity to create lifelong relationships with many of his colleagues, who also became friends. Roger, enjoyed  many aspects of life including motorcycle and convertible rides,  gardening, traveling, and being “Nooly” the saxophone player with the “Royales” Czech band. Together with his lifelong friend Paul Konecny and other band mates they create many wonderful memories.

Roger’s life was taken far too soon and he and his family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Moazzam, Dr. Shoesmith and her team at LHCS, Sharon Coleman of the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex County, the wonderful staff of the Chatham Branch of Erie St Clair Lhin, especially Christina and Jon Ann, as well as, the many caring PSWs and nurse practitioners that were involved in his care.  

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, on Friday January 18, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 pm & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service, conducted by Susan Jolley will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m, with Interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. 

For those unable to attend the Funeral Service, the family invites you to A Celebration of Roger’s Life also on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Polish Canadian Club, 281 Inshes Ave, Chatham.  Roger and his family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care and wonderful support they received from Sharon Coleman and the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex County.Therefore, In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Roger to this amazing organization.  Donations can be made at the funeral home or on-line at www.alswindsor.ca. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street
Chatham
519-351-2040