Gerard Valentin
d. August 25, 2003
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, USA and at the Royal Canadian Air Force base in Winnipeg, Gerry flew missions over North Africa as part of France's NATO commitment after WWII.
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 Saint 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 traveled, and danced Tango.
Besides his special friend Verly, Gerry leaves to mourn 4 children: Nadine (Don), Gilbert (Sherry), Alain (Dianne) and Marcel (Pam), 5 grandchildren: Dave, Marie, Dan, Graeme and Austin. He is also survived by 2 brothers: René and André and 2 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 Gerry's wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Services will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home on Lagmodiere Blvd on Thursday August 28, 2003 at 11 a.m.
The Family would like to thank the staff of the Saint Boniface Hospital's 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, memoial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Salvation Army.
Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca