MARTIAL JOSEPH GAGNON

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MARTIAL JOSEPH GAGNON Peacefully, at Foyer Valade, Dad passed away on November 28, 2010 at the age of 86. Dad was predeceased by our mother, his wife of 60 years, Irène (née Malo); his daughter Jo-Anne DiLallo; his infant grandson Angelo DiLallo; his daughter-in-law Theresa Gagnon. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Gérald (Claire) of Ottawa, Gilles (Suzanne), Robert all of Winnipeg, Elaine (Arni) Popplestone, Lynne McLean, Suzanne (Scott) McLean all of Pilot Mound; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters Eva of Winnipeg and Leona of Salinas, California; sisters-in-law Thérèse Dandenault, Germaine Vandale and Doreen Gagnon all of Winnipeg. Dad was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on November 21, 1924. Having lost his father at an early age, he had to become the family breadwinner at 16. In 1942, he joined the navy and spent the rest of the war years as a sailor helping to protect the convoys in the North Atlantic. After his release from the forces, he returned to his job with C.N. Railways where he worked until his retirement. He married Irène Malo in 1946 and they raised seven children. Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband and father for whom family was everything. He gave of himself unstintingly. Dad had a great sense of humour. He loved to laugh and communicated his joie de vivre to all around him. He spent the last few years of his life at Foyer Valade where he had joined Mom until her passing in March, 2007. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff and volunteers at Foyer Valade who made his final years good ones. A memorial mass celebrating Dad's life will be held on Friday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 778 Archibald St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad's name to Foyer Valade, 450 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4 or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg MB R3C 4G2. 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 Dec 01, 2010