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GABRIEL JOSEPH GELY
Date of Passing: Nov 27, 2020
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GABRIEL JOSEPH GELY
1924 - 2020
He is survived by his wife Dorothy; two sons, Gabriel (Christina) and Rene (Sima); three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Gabe was predeceased by his parents and siblings in France, and by his first wife Mimi, the mother of his sons.
Born in Paris, France, Gabe arrived in Canada in 1952 with the purpose of experiencing the Canadian Arctic. In 1953 he accepted a position as cook with DOT for three years. Primarily in the capacity as Arts and Crafts Advisor to the Federal and Territorial governments, Gabe spent much time in the arctic with Inuit that he loved dearly. This love was mutual and has lasted through generations. Speaking of Inuit, Gabe said: "I never tire of the beauty of the people. They are very strong, yet gentle."
Comments made by some who knew Gabe: "I am profoundly enriched for having known Gabe and benefited greatly from his intellectual generosity. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have known"; "He was just a fabulous human being, and he painted or took pictures of everything he saw". Gabe's art-works grace many homes. His Arctic photo collection resides with the University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections.
Since childhood Gabe adopted as his
motto for life the words of Christ Jesus:
"Thy will be done and not my own".
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at
www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2020
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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I will miss Gabe walking passed my house on Sutherland and stopping for a conversation when i was out in the yard. Sharing things like his life in the north, his art, my landscaping, christmas holiday train and fairy gardens. I will miss him God bless you, Gabe - Posted by: Peter Hall (acquaintance) on: Dec 11, 2020