Rene Dionne
Rene Dionne, 81, passed away on June 7, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Born on February 2, 1945, in Prince George, British Columbia, Rene was raised in Fort St. James, where he developed a love for adventure and the outdoors that would shape his life.
From an early age, Rene demonstrated a passion for exploration and hard work. He earned his Class 1 license early in life and spent many years driving big logging rigs across BC. His time on the road not only provided him with countless adventures but also allowed him to form a wide network of friends who shared his love for the open road.
Rene’s fascination with aviation began in the early 1970s when he earned his pilot’s license and purchased his first plane, a Champion Series 7. Once airborne, he discovered a new dimension to his adventurous spirit. In the late 1970s, Rene met and married Veronica in Fort St. James. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared passions. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Kalder Lake, where Rene found the perfect setting for his plane and truck amidst miles of untouched wilderness. The couple embraced the natural beauty around them, often encountering bears, wolves, wolverines, and martens as they explored the bush surrounding their home.
In 1988, Rene sold his truck and relocated with Veronica to Watson Lake, Yukon, where his brother Leo had already established roots with his family. By the early 1990s, Rene and Leo combined their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to start L&R Aircraft Repair at the Watson Lake airport.
Rene’s life was rich with hobbies that reflected his zest for living. He loved flying, fishing, hunting, curling, and spending time with friends. Known for his quick wit and resourcefulness, Rene was always ready with an idea to solve any problem or lend a helping hand—often accompanied by a piece of machinery or tool from his collection. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life; everyone knew Rene, and he knew everyone.
In recent years, Rene embraced semi-retirement but never lost his enthusiasm for life’s adventures. Whether flying whenever he could or embarking on road trips and bush excursions, he remained deeply engaged with the world around him. He cherished time spent at coffee shops socializing with old friends and making new ones. For Rene, there was always another endeavour on the horizon—a testament to his boundless energy and optimism.
Rene is dearly missed by his loving wife Veronica; brothers Ed and Leo; numerous nieces and nephews; and an extensive circle of friends who were touched by his kindness, humour, and adventurous spirit. He was predeceased by his parents Florence and Paul and siblings Aime, Armand, Desange, Ida and Adelard.
Rene lived a life full of purpose and joy – a life that inspired those who knew him to embrace adventure and cherish their connections with others. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable journey.
Celebration of Life will be held in Watson Lake at a later date.
