ORIGENE (GENE) DE GAGNE

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ORIGENE (GENE) DE GAGNE Mr. Origene (Gene) De Gagne of Medicine Hat, AB passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2003, at the age of 78 years. He leaves to cherish his memory a son Phil (Leslie) De Gagne of Calgary; three daughters, Joann (Greg) Lovstad of Airdrie, Giselle (Brian) Aebly of DeWinton, Denise De Gagne (fiance Kevin Dollimont) of Red Deer; five grandchildren, Damien, Kyle and Joel De Gagne, and Pearl and Tori Aebly; two brothers, Denis and Charles; as well as six sisters, Rita, Priscilla, Isabel, Delores, Doris and Rolande. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Pearl in 1988; his son Jean-Paul in 2001; three brothers, Victor, Hermus and Ralph; as well as three sisters, Jeannette, Lillian and Alma. Gene was born on October 29, 1924, in La Broquerie, MB, and spent his early years in Southern Manitoba. As a young man, he joined the C.N.R. and was employed by them for a total of 17 years, interrupted by the Second World War, where he served from 1942 to 1945, rising to the rank of Sergeant. In 1950, Gene and Pearl Blunt were married. Gene was a long-time resident of Medicine Hat, moving here in 1961 from Winnipeg with his family and his partner and brother-in-law, George Blunt and family. During their 25 years as business partners, and with their spouses assistance, Gene and George owned and operated the C.P. Hotel in Selkirk, MB, and the Royal Hotel and Cecil Hotel in Medicine Hat. Upon the sale of the Cecil in 1984, Gene retired and spent his time between Medicine Hat and Texas until Pearls death. From 1988, he spent his winters in Palm Springs, CA. Genes deteriorating health brought him back to Canada permanently in 2000. Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Friday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish (St. Marys Church), 1250 Division Ave. S.W., Medicine Hat, on Saturday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. David Meadows celebrant. Interment to follow at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 220, 2323 - 32 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Meadowlands Retirement Residence, and particularly the angels assigned to the secure wing for their care, kindness and support given to our father and grandfather during the past 18 months. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his family and friends. Arrangements in care of COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone toll free: 1-877-528-6455.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2003