GUSTAVE ARNOLD BALTESSEN

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GUSTAVE ARNOLD BALTESSEN After a brief illness, with his children by his side, Gustave Arnold Baltessen passed away at Riverview Health Centre on November 10, 1999. Gus was born on March 22, 1929 in Bruxelles, Manitoba. He was educated, lived and worked in and around this community until 1955. Gus loved farming and working the land. No doubt, his talent for gardening stemmed from these early experiences. The area around Bruxelles always had a special place in Guss heart and he returned often to maintain his connections with family and friends. On September 5, 1955, he married Evelyn Simoens. Gus and Evelyn settled in Winnipeg and built a stable, loving home for their son and four daughters. Dad will be best remembered for his strong work ethic and his love of music. He was extremely proud of his ability to create things with his own hands. Dad worked hard all of his life, sometimes at as many as three jobs at a time to make ends meet. Eventually he started a painting and decorating business that flourished through word of mouth referrals until his retirement in 1989. Music was always an important part of Dads life. His grandfather, Gustave Hutlet, founded the Bruxelles Brass Band, and many of Dads aunts, uncles and cousins are music enthusiasts. Dad would fondly recall attending concerts and social functions where the Band entertained. He was invited to join the Band in 1992 and became a regular on the snare drum and cymbals. Dads favorite music by far was big band swing. He first played drums for a dance band in 1949, a passion that continued throughout his life. In recent years, he performed regularly with the Moonlighters, a band that has long delighted audiences with its music. Although Dad was a very social person with his friends, to his children and their spouses, he was a man of few words. It was through his actions that Dad conveyed his deep love and affection for his family. Whether it was a small or large deed, Dad was always there. The family is grateful for the care Dad received at Riverview Health Centre and extends many thanks to staff for their support. We also thank friends and relatives who visited Dad or sent cards and letters during his illness. We wish to acknowledge the understanding provided by each of our workplaces. Gus will be sadly missed by his children and their families: Barry, Bonnie, Alina and Melodie; Jody, Glenn, Connor and Hunter; Lorena, Gord, McKenzie and Alexandra; Bonita, Ken, Katelyn and Halie; Marni, Brad, Samantha and Nicole; brothers and in-laws, Raymond and Joyce, Jerry and John, Hubert, Cam and Fran, Fran; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Gus was predeceased by his wife Evelyn, his mother Adele (Hutlet) Baltessen, father Harry Baltessen and sister Evelyn (Baltessen) DeVos. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Avenue on Monday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Bruxelles on Tuesday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Firmin Michiels officiating an informal ceremony to lay Gus to rest. Honourary pallbearers will be the Bruxelles Brass Band. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment & Research Foundation or Riverview Health Centre would be appreciated. We love you, well miss you and well remember you always P. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 156 Marion Street 949-4864

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 1999