BRUNEAU, Roch

BRUNEAU With deep sadness, we announce the passing of ROCH HARVEY BRUNEAU, who left us at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the age of 79.
Roch was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was grounded in hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people he loved. He was a loving father to Darren (Corina), Byron, Nathan (Karla), and Rochelle (Dustin Hines), and a proud grandfather to Coby and Gabriel, and to Talus and Torsten. He was a steady and guiding presence in their lives, offering encouragement, perspective, and unwavering support. His pride in his family was evident in all that he did.
He is survived by his brothers Bernie (Anne) and George (Patty) Bruneau, and sister Marie (Gary Cowie).
Roch was predeceased by his wife Simone Therese “Terry” Bruneau (née Zook), brother Roger and his sister Annette Amiotte, as well as his parents, Antoinette “Toni” (Dupont) and Guy Roger Bruneau.
Roch dedicated his professional life to education. He began as a teacher and quickly earned the respect of colleagues and students through his discipline, clarity, and care. He advanced into administration and went on to serve as principal at Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Paul’s schools in Lethbridge, where he led with purpose and conviction. He believed deeply in education as a pathway to opportunity and invested meaningfully in both students and staff, building strong teams and creating environments where people could grow and succeed. He had a particular love for mathematics, bringing both structure and enthusiasm to his teaching.
A tireless worker, Roch believed that commitment was demonstrated through action. Whether in his career, his family life, or his community, he approached each responsibility with focus and follow-through. He had a keen ability to recognize potential in others and took the time to help them develop it, encouraging confidence, growth, and achievement.
Roch valued connection and community and was someone others could rely on. He enjoyed golfing and curling, not only for the sport itself but for the camaraderie and friendships that came with it. His weekends followed a rhythm that reflected what mattered most to him: his Catholic faith, time on the golf course, and family dinners. These were not just habits, but expressions of his priorities: faith, friendships, and family.
He brought people together through consistency, generosity, and quiet leadership. He believed in others, often before they believed in themselves, and made a lasting difference by investing his time and energy in their success.
Roch leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, leadership, and love. He will be deeply missed and remembered for the many ways he strengthened the lives of those around him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Valentine Suum celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Roch’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com