GERARD AUGUSTE VALENTIN

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GERARD AUGUSTE VALENTIN Peacefully with his family, and special friend at his side, on Monday, August 25, 2003, Gerry Valentin passed away at Beacon Hill Lodge in Winnipeg at the age of 74 years. Gerry was born in Diego Suarez, Madagascar on May 22, 1929. The family moved to St. Georges-de-Didonne, France, where Gerry lived and went to school until joining the French Air Force. After training in France, the United States and at the Royal Canadian Air Force base in Winnipeg, Gerry flew missions over North Africa as part of Frances NATO commitment after the Second World War. After a short engagement Gerry married Louise Decloux, his wife of 41 years in 1952. Gerry and Louise raised four children at their home in St. Boniface, while Gerry worked at Bristol Aerospace, Inco and the St. Boniface Hospital. After Louise passed away in 1993, Gerry continued to live in the family home until falling ill in April 2001. In those years Gerry loved the outdoors and his oddest pursuit, building airplanes. He also greatly enjoyed the company of his new found best friend Verly with whom he travelled, and danced Tango. Besides his special friend Verly; Gerry leaves to mourn four children, Nadine (Don), Gilbert (Sherry), Alain (Dianne) and Marcel (Pam) five grandchildren, Dave, Marie, Dan, Graeme and Austin. He is also survived by two brothers, Ren and Andr; and two sisters, Jacqueline and Sylvette; and numerous other relatives in France. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Louise (nee Decloux) in 1993; his parents, Albert and Rosette; and by one sister Jeannine. With respect for Gerrys wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home on Lagmodiere Boulevard on Thursday, August 28, at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Boniface Hospital fifth and sixth floors, and all the staff at Beacon Hill Lodge in Winnipeg, where Gerry spent the last months of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Salvation Army. Adams Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2003