Gilbert Rondeau

Gilbert Rondeau

Unlike the way he came into this world, on a cold morning on February 1, 1959, after a long difficult home birth; he left this world quickly and peacefully, passing on the warm evening of May 24, 2022 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at the age of 63.

Devoted husband and father to our children, Ashley (Jess), Greg and Steven (Krystal) for 36 years. A proud pépère to both his grandsons; “pre-fab” Kaleb and the one and only, who had his whole heart, (except the little bit he saved for everyone else) Lukas Georges Marcel Rondeau. Affectionately known by him as “Lukarato Mombato”

Leaving to miss their one and only brother, his sisters Josée (Jobee) Santerre, Linda (Béda) Poulin and Sylvie (Vievie) Rondeau.  He will also be missed by his “brother from another mother”, Caron (Uncle Mike) who became an extension of his family, since childhood and lifelong best friend right until Gil’s passing.   He lived a truly unique and remarkable life and should’ve written a book!  Always exploring and genuinely curious. He loved nature, which would explain the endless hours and days of frog catching, fort building, camping and of course fishing.  A passion he shared alongside his father Georges since childhood, especially trout as it was the most challenging at those hard to get to places.  Many of which he took to his grave because it was “their” secret spots.  His mother Thérèse’s love for her one and only son knew no limits, as his sister’s can attest to.

A wannabe philosopher and lifelong learner. Going from being a cutter at K.C., working alongside his dad for over 15yrs, to achieve his Master’s from Dalhousie University in 2004 as a Speech Language Pathologist.  Working another 15 or so years at George Jeffery Children’s Centre in the Thunder Bay District with amazing children, families and special coworkers.  A paradoxical life. He truly loved getting to know and being of service to people of any age and in any and all capacity.  But most of all seeing them smile and making them laugh.

 Loosing many loved one that Gil missed so.  His mother Thérèse (1997), father Georges (2012), brother-in-law “Big Marc” (2012), mother-in-law Georgette (2007), brother-in-law Donnie (2003) and Don’s wife Brenda (2016), brother-in-law Mike (2017), sister-in-law Claudette (2021) and special friend Uncle Richie Hutsul (2021).

He is proudly survived by the ever growing Rondeau, Santerre, Poulin and Abraham clans and all their descendants.  He hoped to be remembered for his “all or nothing” tireless work ethic, but mostly for his ability to make people smile and laugh.

As per his wishes, family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service at Pinegrove Cemetery, in Geraldton, on Saturday, June 4th at 4:00pm at his final resting place alongside his parents.  Following the short service, that his sisters, Josée, Linda and Sylvie have graciously agreed to oversee (Merci), all are welcome to join us at the Royal Canadian Legion following the interment to get serious about having fun at “Gilbert’s Farewell Party”, complete with loot bags (as promised) to celebrate, roast, toast, dance, party an above all LAUGH and remember how much he loved us and made us LAUGH (his final wish)

A bientôt,

Margie xoxo

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