Leonce GERVAIS

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GERVAIS: Leonce Joseph Henri Gervais died at the Hartney Health Centre on April 1, 2009. Leonce was born on January 2, 1917 at Cantal, Saskatchewan to Eugene and Aurore (Boutin). He took his schooling at the Cantal, Saskatchewan and Wauchope, Saskatchewan Convent. He came to Grande Clairiere, Manitoba to work and married Marguerite Charles on November 15, 1939. They farmed in the Grande Clairiere district until 1941 when they bought a farm at Alida, Saskatchewan. In 1946 they bought a poolroom and hall and established a cafe, while continuing to farm. In 1947 the cafe and hall burned down so he rebuilt the cafe and new poolroom. They sold the farm in 1953 and moved to section 35-5-25 at Lauder, Manitoba. In 1957 they sold the farm and bought section 18-9-22 at Griswold, Manitoba. Leonce sold the land to Ducks Unlimited but continued to farm until his health forced him to move. He moved to the Hartney Health Centre in April 2008, where he resided until his death. Leonce was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Marguerite, in 1991, his sons Edward first 1940 and Roger 1953, his mother Aurore 1924, father Eugene 1990, step- mother Lucia 1968, brother Jean 1926, sister Franceline 1930, brothers Victor 2002, Paul 2005, and Francois 2005. Leonce is survived by his son Edward (Geraldine), daughters Marie (Andre Gagnon), Jeanne (Joe Tourond), Rose-Marie (Carl Long), sons Jean (Doreen), Clement (Mary), Marcel (Cathy), daughter Diane (Jagdeep Basran), 24 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. His brother Alexandre, numerous sisters-in-law and brothers- in-law as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive him. He will be sadly missed. A celebration of Dad’s life was held at St. Jean Catholic Church, Grande Clairiere, Manitoba, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with burial at Grande Clairiere. Active pallbearers were grandsons, Richard Waterman, Duane Gervais, Richard Gervais, Michael Gagnon, Daniel Long, and Kris Long. All in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. The family wishes to thank everyone for their kindness to Leonce, messages of sympathy, flowers, and food sent in his memory, and also to Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home for their services. A special thank you to Father Raju, Deacon Barre, and all the staff of the Hartney Health Centre for their ongoing care and compassion.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 09, 2009