Paul Emile Lucien Rousseau, 71, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday, Oct. 8, 2001 at the Pasqua Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit in Regina, Sask. after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
He was born Dec. 20, 1929 in Fort Frances, Ont.
A resident of Saskatchewan since 1958, Paul spent the first part of his career building business success in the automotive industry.
Paul’s political career began in 1975 when he was asked by the Progressive Conservative Party to run in the constituency of Regina South. In 1978, he was elected to represent that constituency and was a Member of the Legislative Assembly until 1986.
When the Conservative Party formed the government in 1982, Paul was appointed to Cabinet and served as minister of Economic Development and Trade, minister of Revenue and Financial Services, and minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, and the Saskatchewan Development Fund.
His SGI program—“Lights on for life”—was the first of its kind in North America and is credited with precipitating the introduction of daytime running lights in vehicles.
Following his retirement from politics in 1986, Paul was appointed the Saskatchewan Agent General in the United Kingdom.
Paul and Janine returned to Regina in 1991, and resumed life with family and Paul’s favourite leisure time activities—bridge and golf at the Wascana Golf and Country Club.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Janine; daughters, Johanne Beck and her husband, Dale, Pauline Rousseau, Lyse Mercer and her husband, Mark (Calgary, Alta.), Marie Windrim and her husband, Michael (Calgary, Alta.), and Michele Rousseau; and grandchildren, Andrew Beck, Angela Beck, Aaron Beck, Shalyn Wight-Rousseau, and Maia and Liah Windrim.
Also surviving are siblings Julie Holman (Ted), Bernice Batchelder (Dean), Ted Rousseau (Gloria), Barney Rousseau (Alice), and Ray Rousseau (Bev).
Paul was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Laura Rousseau; brother, Ernie; and daughter, Francine.
A memorial service was held Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the Regina Funeral Home.
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