Obituary of Jean-Robert Champagne

It is Impossible to reduce a life as big as Jean’s into a paragraph for a news paper, this has always been a mystery to me. How difficult to capture a person’s meaningful purpose in a few brief lines of text. Jean-Robert passed at home on June 17 with all his family by his side. Born December 4, 1945 in St. Martin de Beauce, Quibec Canada to Rene´ Champagne and Helene Genest. He Graduated high school in St. Martin with the highest honors in mathematics in the school’s history. Jean studied accounting at the University in Toronto, while learning English at night school.

He worked as a construction superintendent for the Canadian Government in the Western Provinces. He also spent 20 years in Denver, Colorado restoring homes and restaurants downtown. Jean moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and married Marry White on December 31, 1985. He had a successful roofing and siding business in Scottsdale for 20 years. Moving to the Verde Valley allowed him to design and build custom homes. In retirement he enjoyed trips back East, cruises and our final trip to Paris.

He celebrated 34 years of sobriety with Bill W. just before passing. He was a sponsor to many in Scottsdale and the Verde Valley. He is survived by his wife Mary “Mimi” White. Stepdaughter Kimber Casey and partner Michael Ojeda of Queen Creek. Stepson Jamie Casey and wife Martelle of Scottsdale. Granddaughter Nikki Gregg, the light of his life. Grandson Dylan Cruz of Flagstaff.  Great grandsons Deegan and Bentlee Gregg. In Canada he is survived by his sisters Giséle Poirier and Lise Champagne. Brother Guston and Yoes Champagne and the late Réne Champagne.

A celebration of life will come at a later date.