ERNEST ROLAND OSCAR GAUDRY

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ERNEST ROLAND OSCAR GAUDRY

February 4, 1935 – March 25, 2024

Our hearts are full of sadness as we announce the passing of our beloved Roland - husband, father, grandpapa, uncle, cousin, friend and so much more.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Madeleine (née Préfontaine) from St. Pierre-Jolys. He will be sorely missed by his children, Janine (Jason) and Claude, and by his grandchildren, Jude (Courtney), Jordan, and Jersey. He also leaves behind his ‘baby sister’ Eileen (Tim), sisters-in-law, Jeannette Gaudry, Colette Préfontaine, Suzanne Parks (Gordon) and brother-in-law André (Rita). Also mournful are numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins and dear friends.

Roland was predeceased by his father Ernest and mother Véronique (née Chartrand); his brother Greg, his brother Neil and sister-in-law Léona, and his sister Muriel; his nephews, Marke Dally, René “Pete” Gaudry and Larry Bugera, as well as niece Liane Préfontaine and great-niece Jacqueline Maynard.

Dad has been described as ‘larger than life’. He was a strong (and tall), big-hearted and stoic man. He grew up and lived in St. Laurent, keeping busy cattle farming, ice fishing, truck driving and taking care of his family. He proudly ‘kept his shape’ and could toss large loads of hay bales, fish tubs and beer cases with no problem. He also had a remarkably strong handshake, which he loved to demonstrate, and he kept that firm grip ‘til his last days.

Dad loved to drive, but we don’t know which was his favourite. Was it the John Deere tractors while haying, his Bombardier for ice fishing, or the many semi-trucks he drove across Canada and within the province? It could have been the St. Laurent Transfer he owned for 12 years, or the heavy machinery he operated while building the Red River Floodway in the 1960s. He also spent hours in his pick-up truck making “quick trips” to the city and taking many a long ride in his pastures. Dad was always game to get behind the wheel, day or night, rain or shine.

Dad had a generous spirit. His kindness showed in his smile and was reflected in his eyes. Kids gravitated towards him, and he loved playing with them - remember The Friendly Giant? When he wasn’t busy working, he loved to go out and visit, play cards, dance a little, laugh a lot and have “un petit coup”. And if someone needed help, Dad was always willing to go out of his way, whether it be family members, friends or strangers stranded on the highway.

When hardships hit, Dad was a pillar of strength. As a man who loved God, he believed that The Lord would protect him and guide him through it all. Dad worked hard and endured many injuries throughout the years. Whatever challenges he faced, he never complained. Right up to the very end, it was difficult to know how sick he was feeling or the pain that he was in.

Dad, along with those big bear hugs, we will always remember your engaging smile, your strong helping hands and that teasing twinkle in your eyes. Adieu.

In lieu of flowers, Dad would be honoured by donations made in his memory to: Centre Neil Gaudry Center, St. Laurent, MB R0C 2S0.

Thank you to the Grace Hospital Emergency Department staff who took care of us for a long and stressful eight days. A special thank you to the Selkirk Regional Health Centre staff who took great care of Dad during the last four weeks of his life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Prayers begin at 1:30 p.m., Mass at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Laurent Roman Catholic Church, St. Laurent, MB. Interment to follow.

MacKenzie Funeral Home

Stonewall

204-467-2525

mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2024, Apr 06, 2024