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GASTON LUCIEN TONNELLIER (GUS)
Born: Mar 08, 1931
Date of Passing: May 13, 2021
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
GASTON LUCIEN TONNELLIER
Gaston Lucien Tonnellier, born March 8, 1931 in Wauchope, raised in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, was a warm, loving man with a genuine interest in people.
In 1946, he met the love of his life, the woman he would spend his next 68 years in beautiful romance with.
Gus joked that the whole town was in love with the new waitress from Winnipeg, but he knew she had chosen him by the way she put extra ice cream in his milkshakes.
Our Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, Edith, was always "Ma Fille" to Gus. Their relationship was a true love story.
Together they left Carlyle for Winnipeg, the place he would call home the rest of his life and where he would touch many lives along the way.
Gus' early years in Winnipeg were spent working for the railway and boxing. He was billed in Canada and in the U.S. as "Tough Gus Tonnellier".
His passion for boxing and fitness shaped his entire life. But love changed its course and in 1952, Western Canada's Golden Gloves champion exchanged the boxing ring for a wedding ring when he married "Ma Fille".
Starting a family five years later gave him new focus and he made the decision to pursue a higher education. Going back to school meant putting himself through university while working full-time midnights, raising a growing family and carving out time for studies. Four years later he earned his degree in education and began his teaching career.
True to his nature, he managed somehow to always put family first and was more inspired and excited by the challenge than daunted; an attitude he cultivated quietly, humbly throughout his lifetime. And an outlook that helped him navigate caring for and eventually losing his beloved wife in 2015, while battling Parkinson's disease, himself.
He enjoyed many years of teaching high school, first in Oakville, then at Winnipeg's Glenlawn, Silver Heights and Westwood Collegiates.
Gus was a teacher by trade, but his interest in learning and his thirst for knowledge were his trademarks. Family time was earmarked by maps, history books, poetry, classic novels, current events and political discussions.
He also had a serious love of animals, (great and small), libraries, ice cream and chocolate.
Over the years, Gus dedicated countless hours to training and coaching at Pan Am Boxing Club.
Patient, kind, generous and wise, his insight, his wit and his beautiful heart have, with his passing, left an emptiness deeply felt by his children - Lisa (Gord), Brian (Gail), Janice (Kam) and Randy; his grandchildren - Brad (Sarah), Laura (Sheldon), Tessa (Kevin), Hayley (Ryan), Dene (Natasa) and Jasmine (their father, Wilson); his great-grandchildren - Ivy, Kale, Farley, Hugo and Rory.
Dedicated … Supportive … Humble …
Protective. Maybe these were the only
words actually needed for this tribute
to the wonderful man who was our
Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa Gus.
There is no end to the thanks we extend as a family to his caregivers at ActionMarguerite. They went above and beyond, making his life easier and ensuring he felt valued and respected throughout an incredibly difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Thank you, Dad for opening our minds
and being there when we needed you.
For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2021
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I worked at the vet clinic that Mr. Tonnellier brought his dog Chico to. I had not seen him in many years now but thought of him often. He was very sweet and I am sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Chantal (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2021
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Mr. T. was not only a great teacher, but also the nicest person that one can meet. Always remember his sincere smile and sense of knowing you as person. As a young student in the 70s his approach was vastly superior to other teachers, who will not be mentioned in the same sentence. His kindness was a a sign of his strength, and we sensed that. One of a kind. - Posted by: PETER KASTELLANOS (STUDENT) on: May 25, 2021
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Sorry to see that your Dad passed, Randy. Your Mom and Dad were the sweetest couple. Condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Kelly (former Health Care Aide at Tuxedo Villa) on: May 25, 2021
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My condolences to Lisa, Janice, Randy, and my friend Brian. I remember Mr. Tonnellier as the head of a busy and vibrant family. His devotion to the sweet science and fitness lives was passed to Brian and many of us who crossed his path. His quiet strength and dignity will be missed by his family and friends. - Posted by: Jeff McMaster (Family friend) on: May 25, 2021
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I fondly remember Mr. Tonnellier as one of my teachers at Silver Heights Collegiate. He was always fair & caring. What an inspiration he was to all who knew him & what a beautiful tribute to a man well loved & respected!! Marg Leslie, aka Maggie Carr, student ‘58-‘63 PS I became a French Teacher!! - Posted by: Maggie Carr aka Marg Leslie (Former student) on: May 24, 2021
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Very sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful man. Always had time to talk and listen. Loved seeing your Mom and him enjoying their walks around the neighborhood. He will be missed. - Posted by: Debbie and Brian Camp (Friend) on: May 23, 2021
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Thanks for being a great and inspiring teacher Mr. Tonnellier. I remember the day you welcomed me into your class and made a point to make me feel welcome. I always appreciated your smile and sense of humour while also conducting a no-nonsense class at Westwood. You are one of the teachers that I fondly look back on and remember what a difference maker you were in shaping our lives. My condolences to the family and sending warmth your way. - Posted by: Scott P (Former student) on: May 23, 2021
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I’m sorry to learn of Mr. Tonnellier’s passing. He was one of my teachers for whom I had the highest respect. And in the 60’s, that wasn’t an easy thing to accomplish. Always made the extra effort to help me get through the class. My sincere condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Don Grant (Former student) on: May 22, 2021
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We were most fortunate to have worked alongside Gus at SHCI. He was a grand guy and dedicated teacher who was there with a smile and sound advice when you needed it. His positive warm and friendly manner was constantly displayed as a natural part of his personality. Thanks Gus for being an important part of the memories of our early days of teaching. - Posted by: Gary and Patricia Hamilton (Colleagues ) on: May 22, 2021
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My sincere condolences to the family. Mr.T was my homeroom teacher at Bedson elementary school. A few years later I was very happy to see him again as one of my junior high teachers at Sansome. He was always a favorite of the students and when I think of my school years he is always remembered fondly. - Posted by: Lisa Mellors (Former student) on: May 22, 2021
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I still remember Mr. Tonnellier. I actually just mentioned him a few days ago to my husband saying how much I enjoyed his teaching style. He would say that he really wasn’t that into teaching which I always found quite amusing. I actually listened to him and learned from him. He always seemed so gentle and caring to me. He was one of my all time favourite teachers. I am sorry for his loss. - Posted by: Carolyn McFerran (Schroeder) (Former student at Silver Heights) on: May 22, 2021
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I had the pleasure of teaching in the same school, SHCI. Gus was always reliable and friendly in the extra- curricular activities of the school. You might say he ruled his classes with an iron fist because discipline problems were never an issue. Gus was highly respected by his fellow staff members. - Posted by: Gary Jones (Teacher colleague) on: May 22, 2021
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The line in the memorial said it all, patient, generous and wise. I always looked up to Gus as a role model. He would be there at the boxing club to open up, sweep up and help with a way to make a move smoother and more effective. I remember him as a stalwart of the boxing scene. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: wayne caplette (friend) on: May 22, 2021
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Lisa/Gord and family. Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your Dad as a teacher and many conversations when we were neighbours. Great guy. Reg and Crystal - Posted by: Reg and Crystal (Friend) on: May 22, 2021
