ALEX GABRIELLE

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ALEX GABRIELLE Peacefully on the evening of Friday, May 7, 2004 Alex Octave Gabrielle of Beausejour, with his family by his side passed on, hopefully to be reunited with his deceased wife Leonie whom he sorely loved and missed. Alex was predeceased by his wife Leonie and daughter Diane Wojcik. He leaves behind daughters, Yvonne and Jeannette; and son Terry. Alex was born into a large farming family near Virden, MB in 1920, as the last child in a family of 13 children. He grew up quickly through the tough depression years and began full time farm work away from home at age 16. At 19 years he gained employment as a mechanics helper at the Virden Elementary Flying Training School. At age 22 he married Leonie (nee Loiselle) and at age 23 he joined the army where he served overseas in the United Kingdom and Germany as part of the Motorized Transport Division. Upon his discharge in 1946, he began his 30 year career with MTS, working in Virden, Morris and finally in Beausejour where he made his home in 1960. After retiring in 1976 he worked as a Commissionaire at Milner Ridge. Alex was people person with a tremendous "gift of gab". If you ever met him you would probably remember him, and you would likely smile thinking about one of his antics or quips. He was a quick witted "kibitzer" and practical joker. If you knew him very well, you were likely the victim of one of his practical jokes. When they invented the "whoopee cushion" they had Alex in mind. He also loved music, especially old time fiddle music and he loved dancing. In short, he loved life and people. He will be missed and his memory will be cherished. At the gates of St. Peter, St. Peter will probably be wondering, "Who is this guy with the knock, knock jokes?. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. from St. Marys RC Church, Beausejour, MB. Funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. also from St. Marys with Fr. Owen Steeves presiding. Interment will be in the Beausejour Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Wojcik, Mike Wojcik, Nicole Kruk, Nadine Sucharyna, Paul Gabrielle and Eddy Menard. If friends so desire memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. RUSSELLS of Beausejour, Manitoba are in care of arrangements. Call 1-866-424-6271 toll free or 268-2263.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2004