A toute la famille Blais
Sincères sympathies il fut un bon patron
Et une personne très intéressante.
R.I.P.
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Gilles Blais in Gatineau, on November 30, 2023, following a fall in his apartment two days earlier.
Gilles was married to the late Cécile Blais (née Bonenfant), the love of his life, for 63 years. He was the loving father of Michelle Ramsay (Gilles Boulais), Richard ‘Dick’ Blais (Chantal Dahan), Pierre Blais (Denise Blais) and Joanne Stewart (Carlos Fox); the loving grandfather to Derek Ramsay and Suzanne Smith, Eric and Patrick Blais, Nathalie Latreille and Daniel Stewart, Francesca and Victoria Fox and Liam and Connor Byrne; the great-grandfather to Zyg, Mila, Mac, Brennan, Emily, Tristan, Cléa, Eli, Jacob A, Jacob L, and Gabrielle. Emily gave him his first great-great-grandchild, Roman, 3 years ago. He is survived by his sister, Hélène Merleau. He was predeceased by his parents, four siblings, and all but four of his close friends.
Gilles had a long full life - including a rambunctious childhood in Ottawa's Lowertown; an enduring romance with his wife, Cécile; building two cottages with his own hands and raising four children to be successful human beings. His 37-year career at Bell Canada culminated in a two-year posting abroad. At the end of his career, Gilles and Cécile enjoyed traveling to their winter home in Florida. He made friends so easily wherever he went, including in the residence where he lived the past 10 years. His memory was unbelievable, a big asset for a man who was interesting and interested in just about everything.
We’ll miss our family historian. Godspeed, dear Papa.
A private service will be held in the new year.
Online condolences may be sent via www.cfo.coop