Romeo "Red" Jean Joseph Nadeau

Romeo “Red” Jean Nadeau, born January 6, 1940, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, the 10th of 12 children born to Joseph Ovila and Rose Alma Nadeau, passed away suddenly on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 84.

Coming from a French-speaking family, Romeo had to learn English when he started school; his teachers were nuns, and he often commented on how strict they were.

Romeo suffered the loss of his mother at the age of 16. In 1957, at the age of 17, he left home to join the Royal Canadian Air Force as Private R.J.J. Nadeau, Air Frame Technician, beginning his 27-year career with the Forces. Romeo also went on to earn certification as a machinist.

While serving on the Southport Base in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Romeo met Edna “Dianne” Steeden. They were married on May 21, 1960. In 1961, their first child, Mary Michelle, was born but sadly passed away after two weeks. Their daughter Cindy “Lee” was born in 1963.

Romeo was transferred to Trenton, Ontario, in 1965. Somewhere along the way, he became known as “Red” instead of Romeo. Red was later transferred to Germany, where his daughter Lisa “Colleen” was born in 1968. He enjoyed the many travel opportunities that living in Europe offered the family.

In 1971, Red was transferred back to Canada, where he and Dianne bought their first home in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, for $11,000.00. Not having finished high school, Red attended night school to complete his G.E.D. While still stationed in Moose Jaw, Red joined the peacekeeping mission in Egypt before being transferred to Ottawa, Ontario, in 1977.

In 1979, Red was transferred to Calgary, Alberta, and in 1982, he was transferred to Chilliwack, British Columbia. Red retired from the Air Force in 1983 with the rank of Sergeant and settled his family on an acreage in Enderby, British Columbia.

Red continued his career as a machinist at Newnes Machine and Iron Works in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, beginning in 1983, and later retired in December 2001.

Throughout his life, Red enjoyed participating in and coaching numerous sports, including broomball, baseball, curling, and golf.

Red cherished the close bonds he had with his entire family and was especially grateful for the births of his two great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy. Despite facing various medical challenges, Red approached them with determination and resilience.

He will always be remembered for his teaching nature, strong morals, and steadfast work ethic.

Predeceased by his parents, five brothers, three sisters, and his daughter Michelle, Red is survived by his wife Dianne, daughters Lee Gibbs (Keith Berry) and Colleen Brown (Darren), grandchildren Bailey Carre (Chase) and Tucker Zawyrucha (Paige Wasserman), and great-grandchildren Ayla and Kash Carre. Red is also survived by three siblings: Madeleine Albert, Claudette Mooney, and Maurice Nadeau.

Red will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Enderby Senior's Center on January 10th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.