JOHN M. J. GAUDES

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JOHN M. J. GAUDES 1934 2007 With great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, John Gaudes on April 16, 2007 at the age of 73. John is survived by his loving wife Patricia of nearly 49 years; children, Robert (Christine) and family John and Ben; Don (Carole) and family Alexandra and Stewart; Andrew (Georgine) and family Adam, David and Sarah; Gordon (Kim) and Karen (Rob); sister Therese. John was predeceased by his father Jerome Gaudesaboos in 1987, mother Martha (nee Van Landeghem) in 1993 and sister Etienette in 1971. John was born on March 12, 1934 in Heist, Belgium. His memories of his early years in Belgium are bittersweet, with the play of a child interlaced with the suffering of war torn Europe. In 1948 at the age of 13 John immigrated to Canada with his parents and two sisters, settling in St. Boniface. In 1958, John and Patricia Davies married and began their life together with the addition of five children over the next eleven years. John was a dedicated employee with Imperial Oil Limited, having worked for them for over 30 years. John started as a draftsman at the Imperial Oil refinery in North Kildonan, working his way to senior area technologist for the prairie region's marketing and engineering department by the time of his retirement in 1990. Although committed to his work, John's main life pursuits took place outside of the office. John may have been better known as an artisan, taking up and excelling in many forms of artistry throughout his life. As a young man, John enjoyed working with wood and the demanding attention to detail that came with the craft of cabinetmaking. Much of the furniture that his young family had was built with his love and care. He continued to build furniture as a hobby into the 1990's. John was also a talented photographer. He loved how the camera could capture a moment, expression, feeling, setting for others to enjoy time and time again. His skill did not go unnoticed, having won awards for his photographs. As a family we are rich in moments captured by Dad's cameras as the family grew. Music always filled the house. If the music wasn't coming from the record player or radio, Dad was filling the air with sounds from his own playing of a guitar, organ, or even a harmonica. Of all his craftsmanship, John's greatest artistic passion was his painting in oils and watercolours. Initially dabbling in painting, Dad increased his attention to painting in the early 1970's exhibiting his work for the first time in Edmonton in 1971. As with all of his artistry, Dad was self-taught in painting, drawing from his experience in photography in order to compose a scene that could set a mood, or conjure a memory for the viewer. Dad was accepted as a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists in 1979 and later assumed the role of President. His portrayal of dramatic prairie skies and Winnipeg cityscapes won the interest of many, with commissions for paintings of many residences and homesteads over the years. His work has been highly acclaimed at juried art exhibitions, and acquired by curators of permanent galleries for both public and private institutions. Dad's greatest artistic gift was that he did not limit his talents to his own painting. He strongly believed in sharing his skill in painting with others so that they may also find personal fulfillment in art. Dad started teaching watercolour workshops in Wassagaming and the International Peace Gardens in the late 1980's. He also regularly taught watercolour workshops to art groups in and around Winnipeg. Above all, Dad was a family man. Committed to the growth and enrichment of all his children and grandchildren. His love and compassion was always there for us, with a listening ear and understanding heart, which will live forever in our memories and continue to shape our lives as we move forward. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made in John's memory to a charity of your choice, or to Rossbrook House, 658 Ross Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3A 0M1. Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass celebrating John's life will be held on Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., in Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue with Reverend Father Samuel Argenziano presiding. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2007