In Memory of

"PJ"

Paul

James

Leigh

Dufresne

Obituary for "PJ" Paul James Leigh Dufresne

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved more than words can say and will be missed beyond measure. 
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beautiful soul, Paul James (PJ) Leigh Dufresne, age 44 of Winnipeg, MB. PJ was a young hardworking father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son; who was predeceased by his best friend and soul mate in a pup’s body, Romey Dufresne. PJ is survived by his parents, Martin and Jacquie Dufresne of Rainy River, his sisters Ashley Dufresne (Guy) of Fort Frances, Christie Dufresne (Kevin) of Ear Falls, and his Brother In-law Richard Stamler of Rainy River. PJ is also survived by his partner Mellissa Spragg, son Seth (Nyla) of Big Lake AK, Daughter Savannah (Courtland) of Winnipeg MB Adopted Daughter Shy Mills (Tyler) of Winnipeg MB. Grandchildren Vader, Hudson and Zoey, Nephews Mark, Kayle, Cory, and Kole. Nieces Jaymi, Taya, Brianna, and Haylen. He is also survived by auntie Carol Harling-Bleeks (Terry), Quadra Island, Uncle Rolly Dufresne (Linda), Winnipeg, Auntie Dawn Evers (Gord), Winnipeg, Uncle Leigh and Auntie Pam Bennett, Winnipeg and Auntie Pat Carthy (Jerry) Phoenix.
PJ was well known for being the loving son, prankster brother, and helpful neighbour, who never asked for anything in return when helping with repairs or yard work when someone needed him. PJ was a selfless friend if you needed someone in your corner, he was there, regardless of the odds.
Unc P (PJ’s preferred title by his nieces and nephews) was the fun Uncle, Dad, and Grampy who always had the kids in tears with laughter, was the first one to take them sliding and fishing and was just plain great at being the entertainment.
PJ’s love of fishing, his family, all things flashlights, fireworks, and music could be beaten by no other. Never having taken a guitar lesson, PJ could figure out the chords within a day and sound like he had written the song. Building tile showers from scratch, putting in professional grade flooring, and creating beautiful designs with a simple cement walkway were all a small part of his long list of talents.
PJ, you will live on in all of us. The memories you have left us will comfort us through the hard times and catch us by surprise when we find ourselves laughing with you. We are all better people for having known you. It would be selfish for us to say you were taken too soon, as clearly a handy man angel was needed. With such a young vibrant, fun-loving person that had so much life left to live, it can be hard to see, but we will take comfort in our memories.

From the lyrics of one of your favourite bands.

How do I live without the ones I love?
Time still turns the pages of the book, 
Place and time always on my mind,
I have so much to say but you're so far away.

Plans of what our futures hold
Foolish lies of growing old.
It seems we're so invincible,
The truth is so cold.

A final song, a last request
A perfect chapter laid to rest,
Now and then I try to find,
A place in my mind
Where you can stay.

In Lieu of flowers, If family and friends desire, a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation (Or Winnipeg Human Society) online, or through Northridge Funeral Home would be a wonderful way to honor PJ’s memory.
We will be Having a Celebration of PJ’s Life in Winnipeg at a later date. We will notify when and where. We would love for you all to come share wonderful memories of PJ’s life. 
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, Ontarioi