Eugène Rhéaume facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugène Rhéaume
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| Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories |
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| In office 1963–1965 |
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| Preceded by | Isabel Hardie |
| Succeeded by | Robert Orange |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 3, 1932 High Prairie, Alberta |
| Died | November 1, 2013 (aged 80) Penticton, British Columbia |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
| Profession | Administrator, insurance agent, social worker |
Eugène "Gene" Rhéaume (born December 3, 1932 – died November 1, 2013) was a Canadian politician, an insurance agent, and a social worker. He was known for representing the Northwest Territories in the Canadian Parliament.
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Who Was Eugène Rhéaume?
Eugène Rhéaume was born in High Prairie, Alberta, on December 3, 1932. He was one of nine children in his family. His father was French-Canadian, and his mother had Scottish, Ojibwa, and Métis heritage. This mix of backgrounds was an important part of his identity.
His Education and Early Work
Gene studied English at the University of Saskatchewan, earning a degree in 1953. After working for a while, he went back to school to get a degree in social work. A social worker helps people and families deal with problems and find support. He also worked as an insurance agent, helping people protect their homes and belongings.
In 1954, he married Helen Gessler. They had six children together between 1955 and 1963. They were married for 37 years. Later, he had a partner named Margaret Jones for 15 years until he passed away.
A Career in Politics
Eugène Rhéaume decided to get involved in politics. He wanted to represent the people of the Northwest Territories in the House of Commons of Canada. The House of Commons is where elected officials, called Members of Parliament (MPs), make laws for the country.
Running for Parliament
Gene first tried to become an MP in the 1962 Canadian federal election. He ran against Isabel Hardie. It was a very close election, and he lost by only 300 votes.
However, he didn't give up! Just one year later, in the 1963 Canadian federal election, he ran against Isabel Hardie again. This time, he won and became a Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories.
Serving as an MP
Eugène Rhéaume served in the House of Commons for one term. This means he was an MP for a few years. In the next election, the 1965 Canadian federal election, he was defeated by Robert Orange.
He ran for Parliament again in 1974, this time in Saskatchewan for the Saskatoon—Humboldt area. But he was defeated by the person already holding the seat, Otto Lang.
Later Life and Legacy
Eugène Rhéaume passed away on November 1, 2013, after an illness.
He is also known as the grandfather of the talented singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume.
