Obituary

Benoit Gilbert Pariseau died peacefully at Grey Nuns hospital in Edmonton on July 25, 2020 at the age of 87.

Benoit is survived by his devoted and loving wife Zola, his two children Rodrigue “Gig”, Nicole (Pierre) (Calgary), grandchildren Antoine and Émilie, his siblings Monique, Cécile, Roger, Paul-Henri and Jacynthe. He is preceded in death by his sisters Yvette Richer (Euclide) et Véronique St.André (Paul), and, brothers Bernard (Ruth) and André, sister-in-law Céline Koehler and brother-in-law Robert Marcoux.

Benoit was born on September 15, 1932 in Donnelly, Alberta to Béatrice (née Nadeau) and Joseph Pariseau. In the early 1950’s, Benoit began working on the Northern Alberta Railroad. He loved his job on the railroad and especially loved the people with whom he worked. He valued and maintained those friendships all his life. He left the railroad in 1960 to pursue a career in French radio at CFRG in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. In December of 1972, he moved to Edmonton and CHFA radio where he would eventually become an announcer. He had a loyal radio following because of his in-depth knowledge of French music but mostly because of the profound respect he had for his listeners. His 35-year career spanned radio, television, sports casting which included covering the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, TV news anchor, comedy stints and stage acting. Ben retired from the CBC in 1995.

In 1989, Benoit married Zola Licup who would be his soulmate for 31 years. Together, he and Zola supported many Filipino immigrants as they settled in Canada. Their kindness and generosity meant that Ben had a loving and extended Filipino family.

Ben was a bon vivant and generous soul who hosted many a party. His love of gourmet food and cooking meant his friends and family were often treated to delicious feasts chez lui and at Christmas, to his famous tourtières. Ben’s favourite and most proud role was that of Grandpapa to Émilie and Antoine; he adored his grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. He also treasured his many friends and fostered those friendships by calling them regularly. Ben left an indelible mark on all those who knew him; his joie de vivre will live on in our memories of him.

Due to Covid restrictions, the Catholic funeral will be live-streamed from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic church in Sherwood Park on Friday, August 7 at 10:00, followed by the live streaming of a small reception.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Marian Center-Madonna House at 10528-98 Street NW Edmonton, T5H 2N4. (780) 424-3544