Gilbert Joseph Eugène Verrier

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Gilbert Joseph Eugène Verrier
October 10th, 1946 – June 28th, 2017

Peacefully in his sleep, Gilbert passed away on Wednesday, June 28th, at his home at the age of 70 years.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 48 years, Annette (née Bourrier), his children Richard (Selma), Carole (Marcel), Norbert (Jackie) and Rachelle (Justin), his 12 grandchildren: Zachary, Alixandra, Keiran, Roxanne, Patrick, André, Joline, Sébastian, Eric, Lexi, Samuel and Katia; his mother Solange; his brothers and sisters: Marie-Paule (Claude), Victor (Gisèle), Madeleine (Jorge), Denis (Irène), Diane (Maurice), Angèle (Roland), Gilles (Thérèse), Armand (Cécile), Réal (Louise), Nicole (Léo), Ginette (Gérald), Hélène (Shane), his brothers and in sisters-in-law: Ronald (Marje), Suzanne (late Gary), Alexandre (Freda), Denis, Lilliane (Robert), Rita (Guy), Albert (late Marlene), Paul (Julie), Jeannine, numerous aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, cousins, as well as his lifelong special friend Hubert Boily and close family cousin Louis Richard. Gilbert was predeceased by his brother Roland (Diane) and his father Eugène.

Gilbert was born in Steinbach, Manitoba on October 10th, 1946 and lived his entire life in the community of La Broquerie. He attended École St-Roch until grade 8 and then proceeded to work on the family dairy farm. In his late teens he took a barbering course in Winnipeg and completed courses to earn his high school diploma. He went for a short time to work in British Columbia, where he developed a love for the mountains which would call him back many times for wonderful trips and holidays. His life continued on as he found work in the mines in Ontario. His love for the outdoors brought him back to join the farm with his dad and his brothers. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Annette. They married on June 14th, 1969. They were blessed with 4 children and 12 grand-children in which he instilled precious values of faith, hard work and the love of nature. In 1971, he joined with his brothers Roland and Victor to form Verrier Brothers Dairy Farm. In 1988, when the dairy was sold, Gilbert went on to establish his own family farm. Country Rock was his pride and joy, and where he found great peace raising and caring for his pure bred limousine beef cattle.

Gilbert had a deep love of country music which can be attested by his outstanding record and cd collection. He also loved to play guitar and even played hockey in his better days. Gilbert always enjoyed the outdoors and nature whether it was to relax while fishing or working to chop wood. He enjoyed trips to BC and bus vacation tours to Alaska, Nashville and the Maritimes. The grandchildren loved coming to pepère’s to see and pet the bunnies, chicks, kittens, enjoy rides on the 3 wheeler and let’s not forget the infamous jelly bean jar.

Unfortunately, he had to slow down because of his affliction with Parkinson’s disease and its debilitating effects. The work and care for the farm became too much and as a result the difficult decision to sell and leave the farm was made. After the move to town, his heart always remained for Country Rock and on several occasions he went back to see the creek and walk the trails he had groomed in the woods.

Gilbert had professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal savior. He is celebrating in Heaven as we are left to mourn but with the same belief and hope, we will one day meet again!

The family would like to thank Dr Dan Ilchyna at Steinbach Family Medical Center for his care over the last 15 years as well as the staff at the Movement Disorder Clinic in Winnipeg.

The Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Thursday, July 6th, 2017 at 11:00 am preceded by a video presentation and eulogy at 10:30 at the St-Joachim Roman Catholic Church in La Broquerie. Ash internment will follow at the parish cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Gilbert`s memory to:Parkinson Canada, 4211 Yonge St. Suite 316, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9.

Birchwood Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.

As published in The Carillon on Jul 04, 2017