GERARD LOUIS TETRAULT

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GERARD LOUIS TETRAULT After a courageous 26 year battle with cancer, on November 12, 2005, at home surrounded by his family, Gerard passed away at the age of 81 years. He leaves to mourn his wife of 36 years, Madeleine (Trudel) and his children, Gilbert (Lucille Jolicoeur), Yvonne (David Savard), Aime (Yolande Granger), Claude (Annette Grenier), Louis (Irene Bonneville), Raymond (Bonnie Daneault) et Ginette (Fernand Piche) as well as Madeleine's sons, Gerald Lamoureux (Louise Boisjoli) et Alain Lamoureux (Monique Laroche). He also leaves to mourn, 30 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Gerard also leaves his brothers, Joseph (Imelda Ruest) and Jean (African Missionary) and sisters, Alice (Wenden) Germaine (Boily) and Gertrude (Dube). Gerard was predeceased by his first wife of 22 years Louise (Vielfaure), his brothers, Aime, Laurent, Paul and sisters, Marguerite, Helene, Desanges (Forest), Irene (Fournier), Laurette (Desorcy). Gerard was born in La Broquerie on May 8, 1924, son of Louis and Rosilda (Gosselin). Following his studies at St-Boniface College he owned a dairy farm from 1944 to 57. He married Louise Vielfaure June 18, 1946. As part of his entrepreneurial endeavours, he purchased La Broquerie Transfer Ltd. in 1957, which is now Tetrault Transport Inc. He was also a partner with La Broquerie Lumber and Marchand Hotel. Upon retirement and because of his love of nature, he created Beau Sapin Ltd., a land development company in Marchand and also contributed greatly to the Marchand West development. Gerard was recipient of the 'Pionnier en entrepreneurship' a prestigious award given to francophone entrepreneurs. He had a love for sports, especially hockey. He was an original member of the first La Broquerie Senior hockey team, an exceptional player, coach, manager and an even more devout fan of the La Broquerie Habs. Gerard was founding member of the construction committee of the first arena and donated countless hours to the task. He was also President of the Centennial Arena construction committee and also a valuable contributor to La Broquerie's 3rd arena. Volunteer on many Boards, too many to list, he was particularly proud of his 40+ years of service to the Caisse Populaire movement, nearly 40 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Chamber of Commerce, and la S.S.J.B. de LaBroquerie, FAFM, Francofonds... to name but a few. He was a regular canvasser for many years with the Canadian Hearth Foundation and organized an annual golf tournament fundraiser for the St. Boniface Hospital Cancer Research Foundation. He enjoyed volunteering with the RCMP, as well delivering Christmas hampers for the Christmas Cheer Board. In 1988 he received 'The Government of Canada Certificate of Merit' for outstanding contribution to his community. He was a devout family man, proud of his community, always ready to help with many projects, a man of faith, generous, hardworking, and an individual with a contagious zest for life. He was proud of his heritage, his culture and his hometown. We cite an excerpt from a text he wrote in the Tetrault Family book, I've always loved my wife, my children, my grandchildren, my parents, my friends, my employees, I love outings, social events, travelling, and sports. I love my parish priest, and my community, where I've experienced joy, sorrow, challenges, fulfilment of dreams, successes, happiness, and it is in the shadow of our beautiful church that I wish to have my eternal sleep . We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the palliative care team. Sincere thanks to all those who have offered prayers, rendered services and visited Gerard during his illness. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons St. Viewing take place at 6:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Saint-Joachim Roman Catholic Church in La Broquerie, MB. Viewing will take place 10:30 a.m. Interment of the cremated remains will take place at a later date in the La Broquerie cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St-Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation Cancer Research Fund , 409 Tache Ave., Room D1003, Winnipeg, MB R2H 9Z9. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.desjardins-funeral.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2005