GILLES GASTON (RED) FERLAND

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GILLES GASTON (RED) FERLAND

1945 - 2024

Gilles Gaston (Red) Ferland passed away peacefully October 5, 2024, at Actionmarguerite Saint-Boniface with family at his side.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Lorette, his children and grandchildren: Gilles (Justine and Noah and their mother Lisa); Paul, his wife Jenny Dale (Bri, Emma and Alexandre); his sister Jeanine (Gerry Vandale), brother Ronald (Karon), the Beaudry family, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gilles was born in Saint-Boniface February 12, 1945, son of Guillaume Ferland and Alma Bourbonnière. He grew up in Norwood where he met and married Lorette July 30, 1966, in Precieux Sang Church, and they soon started their family.

As a young man he joined the St. Boniface Police Service and later the Winnipeg Police Service. Understanding and supporting people was very important to Gilles. In the last 10 years before his retirement in 1998, he was very proud to have worked with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, and was appreciated and respected by his clients and his peers.

Gilles was a family man. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, and exploring the parks and lakes of Manitoba and the lands from sea to sea in Canada, by car and by motorcycle. His touring days with Lorette and friends brought them to all provinces and to many US states, creating cherished memories.

Gilles was also actively involved in the francophone community taking on many volunteer positions and giving generously of this time. In retirement, he particularly enjoyed working with the residents of l’ARCHE.

Eventually the cottage in Traverse Bay became the go to retreat where family, friends and neighbours gathered for fun times, quiet reflections and celebrations. To this day, the “chalet” holds special memories for his beloved grandchildren who spent many happy hours on the deck dancing with pepère and memère. Gilles loved music dancing and enjoyed them to the end, taking every opportunity to dance with Lorette and the staff. The last few years of his journey with Lewey Body Dementia were challenging for Gilles. The family would like to thank Jean-Yves, Carol, Gerry, Lisa and Noah and the incredible staff at Actionmarguerite for their support and compassion.

Your presence, love, friendship and support provided comfort and relief but most importantly gave us many happy moments.

The celebration of Gilles’s life will be held Monday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Precieux Sang Church, 200 Kenny Street, Winnipeg with reception to follow.

Memorial donations to Actionmarguerite Saint Boniface’s “Garden Project” would be greatly appreciated.

Au revoir!

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

204-253-5086

Tributes: ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2024, Nov 16, 2024