GERARD BILODEAU

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERARD BILODEAU 1924 - 2017 On Sunday, August 13, 2017, Gérard (Gerry) Bilodeau passed away suddenly at the age of 93 years old at the St-Boniface Hospital. He leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Viola (Beauchemin). He was predeceased by Aline (nee Dumesnil), his first wife of 53 years. Gérard and Aline were blessed with a large family of nine children: Doris, Gisèle (Léo), Paul (Lucie), Edmée (Hubert), Léonne (Denis), Rhéal (Janet), Mona (Les) Rolande (Tom) and Diane, 24 grandchildren: Aaron, Zoé, Donald, Claudette, Diane, Gerry, Rick, Rena, Reggie, Marty, Chantal, Éric, Mélanie, Cristian, Dominic, Colin, Melissa, Renée, Stéphane, André, Karlie, Alèxe and Zacharie as well as 29 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandchild Jay and his 13 brothers and sisters and leaves behind his youngest sister, Georgette (Gervais). He also leaves behind Vi's children, Judy, Brian and Terry. Originally from Ste-Agathe, MB, Gerry took over the family farm, which was deemed a century farm in 1992, raising his family with Aline, farming the land, growing large gardens and egg producing. The Bilodeau farm was well known for being immaculately clean, orderly and very welcoming to the many family and friends who visited regularly, as well as the famous annual Bilodeau corn roasts. After the 1997 flood, Dad moved to Winnipeg where he faithfully tended to Mom during her lengthy illness. Dad resiliently rebuilt his life after Mom's passing, marrying Vi at 81 years old, making new friends and joining many social clubs. Dad loved being active and outdoors and found his passion for lawn bowling which he played until his very last day. He also enjoyed making arts and crafts and decorating his apartment blocks and social club rooms. Fiercely independent, he drove his Cadillac, went to the gym every morning and lived life to the fullest right to the end. He will always be remembered for his strong will and determination, his steel trap mind and memory, his teasing and his vivacity until his last days. Dad went quickly and quietly just as he would have wanted. The family would like to thank the staff at St-Boniface Hospital who cared for him during his brief stay. If so desired, donations can be made in his memory to St. Amant Centre, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z9. Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Timothy, 135 John Forsyth Road, Winnipeg, MB with Fr. Chrys Agu officiating. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2017