JULES AMEDE GHEERAERT

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JULES AMEDE GHEERAERT Tragically, on Sunday November 2, 2008, our beloved father, Jules Gheeraert, of Winnipeg, passed away at the age of 81 years. He leaves behind to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his loving children: daughter Maria (Doug) Mathieson, son Raymond Gheeraert, daughter Audrey (Leo) Comte; his grandchildren: Karen and Heather Mathieson, Nolan and Tyler Gheeraert, Rochelle, Matthew, Alexandre and Jeannette Comte. He will be dearly missed by his close companion, Pat Turner and her family. Jules will also be lovingly remembered by his brother Alfons, and sister Zulma (Jules) Van Liefde, sister-in-law Agnes Gheeraert and numerous nieces and nephews in Belgium. Dad will be deeply missed by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their families in Canada. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Jeannette (Sys) in 1984 and brothers Jan and Adolf from Belgium. Dad was born February 23, 1927 in Kruishoutem, Belgium. He spent his first 22 years on the home farm, and as a child, experienced the Second World War close around him. In his later years, Dad would share these stories with his children in order to keep the history of those events alive. Dad immigrated to Canada in 1949 to begin his great adventure. Upon arrival in Canada, Dad first worked for a dairy farmer and through this he got to know the Sys family and met his future wife, Jeannette. Mom and Dad married on April 19, 1951. They lived on a small farm on Dugald Road until 1973 before moving to St.Vital. Dad worked for the Winnipeg transit for over 35 years starting as a driver and retiring from the treasury department in 1990. Dad was active his whole life. He had a love for all outdoor activities which he instilled in his children, such as fishing, hunting, curling, snowmobiling, skiing and camping. Many of these activities were done with his extended family on Mom's side. This cemented the family bonds. Special thanks must be given to Mary and Andy Kesteloot for the 24 years of Friday night suppers that were shared with Dad after Mom's passing. To the end, Dad was still active in curling, fishing, hunting, dancing, Belgian Veteran's Association, and his Burger King breakfast buddies. Funeral Mass celebrating Jules' life will take place on Friday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 847 St. Mary's Rd. Interment will follow in the family plot in Belgian Sacred Heart Cemetery, 501 Plinquet St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 God zegen u, en God bewaar u The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2008