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GILLES GAGNON  Obituary pic

GILLES GAGNON

Date of Passing: Aug 07, 2013

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GILLES GAGNON December 10, 1948 - August 7, 2013 Suddenly, Gilles passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at the age of 64 years. Gilles was predeceased by his parents, Martial (Butch) Gagnon and Irène (Malo) Gagnon and his sister Jo-Anne DiLallo, nephew Angelo DiLallo and his sister-in-law Theresa. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Suzanne (née Girouard); his daughter Danielle Grenkow (Leith); his son Dominic; brothers Gérald (Claire Berthiaume) and Bob; sisters Elaine (Arni) Popplestone, Lynne McLean and Suzanne (Scott) McLean; brothers-in-law Robert Girouard (Denise) and John DiLallo; sister-in-law Nicole Stornel (Minke), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many good friends. Gilles was born in Winnipeg, lived in St. Malo where he began his schooling and returned to Winnipeg with his family. Gilles attended Provencher School and Collège St. Boniface where he graduated with his B.A. in 1969. He pursued further studies in education (B.Ed.). He was employed by the St. James School Division from which he retired in 2003, having taught all but a couple of those years at Golden Gate School. During Mom and Dad's declining years, Gilles became their primary care giver. He devoted a great deal of time to their well-being. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the Foyer Valade. After his family and friends, Gilles's great passion was his motorcycle. Gilles will be remembered for his "joie de vivre", his tremendous sense of humour, his insatiable curiosity, his contagious laughter, acute intellect and steel trap mind, as well as his devotion to his "family" on the 2nd floor at Foyer Valade. Rick, thank you for being there when Gilles needed you. We take comfort in knowing that he was with a friend, doing what he loved. Dad, we'll miss you. A celebration of Gilles's life will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Glen Lawn Reception Centre, 455 Lagimodière Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gilles's memory to Foyer Valade, 450 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Aug 13, 2013

GILLES GAGNON Suddenly on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, Gilles passed away at the age of 64 years. Arrangements pending. Long obituary to follow. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Aug 10, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2013

Condolences & Memories (35 entries)

  • There is a huge void in the hallways on 2 nd floor at foyer valade. Every day we talk about how much we miss you. We miss your laughter, your smile, your funny jokes, your zest for life and your will to serve others. It will never be the same. You are in our prayers. Until we meet again. - Posted by: residents on 2 nd floor foyer valade (Friends) on: Sep 25, 2013

  • I taught at Golden Gate with Gilles during 17 years. He taught me how to teach French with passion and devotion, and to not take myself too seriously. The French department was like a family, crazy, warm and supportive, and '' Gags '' was a catalyst in all that. The '' Newman'' years, circa 2000-2005, were especially good at GG, thanks to beautiful leaders like Gilles Gagnon. Chantal Bernier, Nanaimo- Île de Vancouver - Posted by: Chantal Bernier (collegue) on: Sep 14, 2013

  • J'ai eu la chance de connaître et de travailler avec Gilles pendant 6 ans à l'école Golden Gate. Gilles avec un excellent sens de l'humour et son rire était contagieux. C'est avec beaucoup de tristesse que j'ai appris son décès. Nous pensées sont avec lui et sa famille. Bon courage! - Posted by: Roberto Gauvin (Collègue de travail) on: Sep 13, 2013

  • I am truly saddened by Gilles' passing. He was a big part in making Golden Gate a great place to work and learn. - Posted by: Shawn (Golden Gate comrade) on: Sep 13, 2013

  • My condolences to MaTante Suzanne, Dominic, my namesake Danielle and MonOncle Robert & family. I did not have the good fortune to meet MonOncle Gilles many times, but even our brief most recent visit demonstrated the spark highlighted here. MonOncle Gilles and your family's involvement with my Grand-maman Alice Benoiton (nee Girouard) including her 100th birthday party were so wonderful and provided me an opportunity to connect with such a rich branch of family. I hope you remember me too Danielle Grenkow and that we can be there for each other throughout our lives as a tribute to these great parents. With campassion, - Posted by: Danielle Benoiton (second cousin once removed (Girouard)) on: Sep 10, 2013

  • Je vous offre mes condoléances les plus sincères. J'ai passé de nombreux étés avec la famille Gagnon à McIntosh. Ces souvenirs me sont des plus chers. Et plus tard j'ai eu la chance de connaître Suzanne comme collègue. Sincèrement, la famille Paquin - Posted by: Marie-Josée Paquin (Amie et collègue) on: Sep 01, 2013

  • I am a former student of Mr Gagnon at Golden Gate....he was beloved by his students and I was saddened to hear of his passing...deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Daron (Former student) on: Aug 31, 2013

  • Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends and deepest sympathy to his fellow bikers who have lost a cherished member of their biking group. The bikers of Québec send thoughts and prayers. Ride safe! - Posted by: Suzanne Olivier Fraser and Roy Fraser - N.-D. Ile Perrot, Quebec (Sister and brother-in-law of Agnès Olivier Préfontaine) on: Aug 18, 2013

  • Gagnon family, it saddens me to hear this news. Gilles was such a wonderful volunteer @ Foyer Valade! My mother (Anita Bouchard) loved his visits, laughter, always helping her out. Gilles will be sadly missed by the residents. RIP ...sincerely, la famille Bouchard - Posted by: Rachel (Bouchard) Chipelski (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • I worked with Gilles at Golden Gate and I can't think of him without smiling! Although I have never met his family, I send my condolences. I Can't imagine your shock and sorrow at losing him the way you did. - Posted by: Carol tomes (TA) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • Suzanne et famille, Nos plus sincères condoléances,chère Suzanne. Nous joignons nos pensées et prières à tous ceux et celles qui patagent avec toi et les membres de ta famille le départ de ton bien-aimé;un excellent éducateur et un bénévole sans pareil. Guy Gagnon - Posted by: Guy Gagnon (teaching collegue w/Suzanne,Gilles' wife) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • I had Mr Gagnon as a teacher at Golden Gate about 35 years ago. I still remember his laugh and good natured approach to teaching. He brought a real energy to the classroom. I am deeply sorry to his family for their loss. - Posted by: Ross McEwen () on: Aug 14, 2013

  • Gilles, you made us enjoy our lives a bit more just by being yourself. You will be missed and often remembered, old friend. - Posted by: Terry Ladyman (Friend and teaching colleague) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • I lost touch with Gilles once we started at university. I will always remember the great times we had with Joel Morasutti and Gilles taking karate and having such great fun laughing. My condolences to the family and friends! May God grant you Peace and Love in this time of extreme loss. Rolly Bohemier - Posted by: Roland (Rolly) Bohemier (classmate at Provencher and College St Boniface) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • Gilles had a special name made famous by Formula I car racer Gilles Villeneuve of Montreal. That he was a passionate motorcycle rider shows similarity. Also, wife Moira and I had a girl, Danielle and a boy, Gilles-Guy (we started a new name) but even teachers at school called him only Gilles. Heartening to see French names, not confined to PQ & NB. Heaven after all is "l'amour toujours." - Posted by: Rene D. Benoiton (cousin, mother being eldest of David & Emma (nee Labossiere) Girouard) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • Une pensee dediee a la famille et aux amis de Gilles. ..j'ai toujours admire sa facilite de connecter avec les gens, creer une atmosphere, sa joie de vivre et son sens d'humour.Quelle joie d'avoir eu la chance de travailler avec lui a GG. Repose en paix. - Posted by: Sylvia Allard ( friend and colleague) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • I knew Gilles in the "good old days" when we were all young and foolish. What a blast it was!! I'm glad to hear that Gilles kept that youthful spirit. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Annette StOnge (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • M. Gagnon was a fantastic teacher... he accomplished the near-impossibility of making learning fun for teenagers... he would always start the class off with something fun, a game of some sort, to get us engaged, before starting the day's lesson. I will remember the twinkle in his eye as he would make a joke, his collection of grenouilles in the classroom, and that he always made time for his students. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kelly (former student) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • What a privilege to have met the incredible cheerful, always smiling between wisecracks, big hearted Gilles! He was the volunteer who made such a difference in the life of so many residents and their families. I am so sorry for everyone's loss and I will miss being greeted by Gilles. He brought sunshine into an institution that could use all the lightness of heart he offered. May his family always proudly remember Gilles. I know I will long remember him. In sympathy, Jackey LaBossiere - Posted by: Jackey LaBossiere (Foyer Valade ) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Far too soon for a truly gentle man. Everyone who knew Gilles knew him as a man of warmth and humour. - Posted by: Lorne Dion (Friend & Colleague) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Gomer, comme on t'appellait, tu étais un bout en train et le clown de la classe. On va te manquer grandement et nous sommes avec ta Susanne en ces jours difficiles. - Posted by: Claude Péloquin (alias John Deere) (Schoolmate College St-Boniface) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Condolences to Suzanne and Robert. Gilles sounds as if he was a competent and exceptional man. - Posted by: AnitaRocanPerron (Friends with Suzanne and Robert) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • A truly wonderful teacher and friend to his students. He made learning fun and he will never be forgotten. RIP Mr. Gagnon. - Posted by: Cathy (Former Student ) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • I will surely miss my brother as will my siblings. You are all accurate when you say he had a great sense of humor, almost mischievous at times. At our family gatherings no one could tell a story like Gilles. - Posted by: Suzanne McLean (Sister) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Gilles, your infectious laugh, your smile, your warm heart, and your dedication to our 2nd floor residents at Foyer Valade will be missed. You changed the lives of many just by being there. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Bea () on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Thanks for the wonderful memories Gilles. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: milt jones (teaching friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Gilles, you were like a ray of sunshine for staff and residents at Actionmarguerite Saint-Vital where your laughter could be heard from a distance. Sometimes we offered to find you a bed you put in so many hours. You spent your days here 'spoiling' our residents and they loved you for it. You are missed so very much, Gilles. Second floor will never be the same without you. - Posted by: Rose-Marie Sevald (volunteer coordinator) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • My first 6 years of teaching were with Gilles at Golden Gate- what a wild and fun ride with a lively group. Always a funny line, comment and a positive outlook. His year end countdown on the staffroom wall starting in september - and giggling will never be forgotten. Never a dull or quiet moment. My sympathies to his family for a kind and thoughtful man. - Posted by: Suzanne Simard () on: Aug 12, 2013

  • My fondest memory of Gilles, was when we were in the Golden Gate staff room. We were not telling jokes; we were telling punch lines! This is how I will remember Gilles, telling jokes (and punch lines) and making me smile! - Posted by: Cathy Smith (co-worker at Golden Gate) on: Aug 12, 2013

  • I am truly saddened to hear of Gilles passing. He made me smile, laugh and enjoy my days at school. He also made my first few years of teaching bearable knowing that I could run into his classroom for whatever I needed. My sincerest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Sandra Melo (former co-worker) on: Aug 12, 2013

  • He had a heart of gold..he will be missed.. - Posted by: We are very sorry for your lost...may you rest in peace Gilles.. (Friend ---Diane Desrochers...) on: Aug 11, 2013

  • I am sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Gilles for many years at Golden Gate. He was an inspiration, great teacher and a good friend. - Posted by: Ray Desautels (Friend/Colleague) on: Aug 11, 2013

  • It saddens me greatly to hear this news. Gilles brought a laugh to our table at Robins every lunch hour when we escaped from school. I know he loved riding his motorcycle and I'm happy that he had the opportunity to experience the freedom that riding offers. Hope the highway is smooth and without stop lights for you now. Bob - Posted by: Bob Firman () on: Aug 10, 2013

  • My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of Gilles Gagnon. He was a very generous person who was so full of kindness and caring, which he readily shared with others. His smile was bright and his laughter could fill a room. He made better the lives of those he touched. And, he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Gilles, you will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Doreen Mihalus (Friend) on: Aug 10, 2013

  • Gagnon family. We are very sorry for your loss.. He was such a great exceptional man. He had a heart of gold; May you rest in peace Gilles and we will miss you; Our condolences to the family and his friends; Sincerely, Rachel and Jean Jacques Serceau - Posted by: Rachel Jeanson (friend) on: Aug 10, 2013

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