Fernand Giguère
March 16, 1932 to October 7, 2022
Fern passed away in his 90th year after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He is survived by Sheila, his betrothed of 64 years and their four children: Catherine, Allen, Chris (Chantal) and Madeleine (Omar) and four grandchildren: Stephanie, Melanie, Kane and Jack.
Born in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, he was one of 14 children – 7 boys and 7 girls. He is survived by 3 brothers: Jacques, Lionel and Roch. Predeased by Gisèle, Louise, Gertrude, Fernande, Florette, Rolande, Carmen, Raymond, Jean, and Gaston.
He moved to Gatineau in his early 20’s for what became his career as a laboratory technician at Canadian International Paper.
He built the family a home in Val Des Monts in 1972. He loved to do crossword puzzles under the shade of the lilac trees, listen to the Expos games on the back deck, and engross himself in classical music in the living room. He and Sheila were regular members of the Gatineau Bridge Club where they both eventually became Grand Masters. He loved to write, and spent a few years labouring at a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle of Hieronymous Bosch’s “Garden of Earthly Delights”. The finished size was 18 by 12 feet and was hung on the family room wall.
He loved classical music and opera. He would sit in his chair with his eyes closed and disappear into the music. This connection to music continued to move him until the end. He passed peacefully listening to a playlist of classical music symphonies.
We are grateful to the CHSLD Lionel Emond for their attentive care.
The family will mourn and celebrate his life privately.
For those wishing, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Alternatively, please light a candle, sip a nice red wine, and/or put on a symphony and wish him a peaceful flight into the light.