Gilbert Paul Gourdine passed away on December 16, 2019 at the age of 89 after a brief illness. He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Marie Claire (nee Brassard); their five daughters, Claudette, Nicole (Rob), Lorraine (Don), Lisette (Darin) and Danielle (Dean); as well as 11 grandchildren, Celeste, Peter, Gabrielle, Riley, Elysse, David, Marc, Maren, Addison, Abby and Evangeline.
Gilbert will be greatly missed by many relatives, friends and neighbors.
Gilbert was born in Edmonton, Alberta and spent his early years on the family farm just outside of Didsbury, where he encountered much mischief and adventure. Gilbert and Marie Claire made a life for themselves raising their five girls in Edmonton where Gilbert owned his own business and was known for his honesty, craftsmanship and integrity. He was a loving father and husband who had a wonderful sense of humor and was an active member in his community, always there to lend a helping hand.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Connelly McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 114 St NW, Edmonton, on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 7:00pm.
Funeral mass will also be celebrated at Good Shepheard Parish, 18407 60 Ave NW, Edmonton on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11:00am.
If friends so desire, a donation can be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Edmonton Area) ssvpedmonton.ca, a charity that was near and dear to Gilbert’s heart.
Wayne Chamney says
It is with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Gil Gourdine. I had the privilege of working in Gil’s Company for seven consecutive springs and summers, which helped pay for my University education. As my boss, I learned a lot from Gil about how to treat clients with honesty, openness and tact. He taught me the importance of doing a job professionally, never skimping no matter the obstacles. As a friend, we continued to communicate throughout the years. I admired Gil for the husband, father and volunteer that he was, which served as a model to emulate. I will miss him dearly and I will have a Mass said for him at my parish here in Quebec.
Claudette Gourdine says
Thank you, Wayne, for your very kind and heartfelt words. Such a wonderful testament to Dad’s character. Dad valued your work and friendship very much and enjoyed continuing his friendship with you through your correspondence all these years. I can’t tell you the number of times we heard how much he and Mom enjoyed your letters.
Dad would very much appreciate having a mass said for him; as you know he was a man of great faith. It is also comforting to our family that you memorialize Dad in that manner. Thank you for the gorgeous bouquet of stargazer lilies that arrived in time for prayers.
I apologize for the late reply but we did not realize until today that an obituary had been posted on the Funeral Home website and that there were messages.
Merci!
Claudette Gourdine
Denise Bernard Crawford says
It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of your dad. Over the years I visited my cousin Marie-Claire and Gilbert whenever I was in Edmonton on business, unfortunately not in the last few years since my retirement. But I have kept warm souvenirs of both of them.
While losing someone close is difficult, your family can take solace in the fact that Gilbert was a lovely man who will always live in your hearts.
Your cousin from Québec
Denise Bernard Crawford
Claudette Gourdine says
“Merci” for you kind thoughts and words. It was so nice to hear from you. We have fond memories of your visits out west, especially my parents. Our Quebec relatives were and are very important to us.
I miss Dad every day, as I know my sisters do, too. He was such a great Dad who was always wanting to help Mom and his “filles”. The role of husband and father were very important to him and led by example.
We will cherish his memory,
Claudette Gourdine
Pauline Farkas says
Our only regret is that we didn’t meet Gil earlier in life. He was a wonderful, caring man with a great sense of humor.
My sister-in-law, Anita, will miss him. Hopefully, she will get out to Edmonton this summer to see her nieces.
Les and I had the opportunity to visit Gil and Marie a few times in their beautiful home.
Rest in Peace Gil,
Love,
Pauline & Les Farkas
Claudette Gourdine says
Thank you, Pauline and Les, for your lovely and kind words. Dad was so happy to have been re-united with that side of his family and so enjoyed getting to know them. They seemed to seamlessly absorb Dad into the family and consequently, all of us too; we felt like we had known them for years and were an important part of the family.
We look forward to seeing Anita as soon as she’s able.
Claudette Gourdine
Cathy Cartwright says
We had the pleasure of meeting Gil at Laurier House. He was indeed a great person and we will miss him.
Cathy & Dave Cartwright and Rose Romaniuk.
Claudette Gourdine says
Thank you for your lovely words. Dad enjoyed Rose’s company very much, as did I. It was always a real pleasure to see you both at your Mom’s or at activities at Laurier House. It always made things lots of fun; Dad really enjoyed that. And I really appreciate that Rose was always looking out for Dad when I could not be there.
Claudette
Vanessa and Norm Cowley says
We were so lucky to have Gil as a neighbour for 35 years. You couldn’t ask for someone more thoughtful and considerate of others. We were sad when he had to leave the crescent last year and and now even sadder that he has passed. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the prayer service or the funeral mass, but Gil and his wonderful family are in our thoughts.
Claudette Gourdine says
Thank you Vanessa and Norm for your lovely thoughts and kind words. It was wrenching for Dad to have to leave his long time crescent community. He was such a part of it; always engaged with what was going on and what he could do to help. We got to know you too and it was so nice that Dad had people who cared about and appreciated him.
We miss Dad so much but will cherish his memory.
Claudette