top of page

Iggy Ignatius Gabriel

Image by Nick Andréka

WILSON IGNATIUS GABRIEL

July 31, 1937 - November 10, 2023

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce that our dad / husband / grandfather / father-in-law passed away on Friday November 10th, 2023 in Winnipeg at the age of 86 years.

 

He leaves in mourning his wife Calista, daughters Maria, Sylvia (Wayne), Susan (Gerard) and son Sylvester (Sujata). Grandchildren Marjorie, Aaron, Adrens, Edward and Elisha. He also leaves behind brothers Rufus, Ramould and sister Cresenti, and countless other relatives near and far.

 

He will be dearly missed and remembered for his kind heart and charity/volunteer work he did for the local church/Archdiocese of his hometown in Chennai. “Iggy” moved to Canada with his wife some years ago to be closer to his daughters.

 

A Funeral Mass will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 16 at St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church (3390 Portage Avenue). Burial to take place afterward at Assumption Cemetery (3990 Portage Avenue).

 

Thank you all for your kind wishes.

 

Iggy’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

16 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Syl

November 16, 2023 at 10:47 PM

Marj your graduation was one of the proudest moment for grandpa and grandma! It was a moment they both witnessed, they will cherish this moment forever! 

Marjorie

November 16, 2023 at 4:56 PM

Grandpa will truly be missed. He was a great and intelligent man with a heart of gold, the love he has shown his family will always be cherished.  One fond memory of grandpa I have is when I met him for the first time in India. I remember he would take me into the city on his scooter and show me lots of different places. I also remember the charitable work he would do for the local community in India.  When he moved to Canada, it was always a pleasure to spend time with him and talk to him. May he rest in peace. 

Adrens

November 16, 2023 at 4:25 PM

Grandpa was an amazing person. When I was born there was low blood sugar in my body and grandpa was the one who carried me to a different hospital and long story short, He is the reason why I am alive today. He values education and knowledge more than anything in this world. He loves to educate himself with various topics, When I was young he used to read these Tell me Why books which are basically knowledge books about different topics and one day I picked one of those books and started reading it. And he was so excited and happy to see me read that he bought different issues of the book and gave it to me every time I visited him. And beyond being the amazing person that he is, He was a great Grandfather . He was a person of few words, Even in family gatherings he doesn't really talk that much but he observes the whole room, I like to think that he is still  silently observing the family from heaven. I know that I haven't been the best grandson to him but I hope that he knows that even though I don't  show my emotions, In my own way I love him very much. 

Aaron C

November 16, 2023 at 3:56 PM

The fondest memories I have of Grandpa are our conversations, whenever I’d drop in to visit, or if we were at a family gathering – he would always take an interest in how things were going for me, whether it was school, my job, or hobbies. We could even talk about history or theology, which he’d test my knowledge on – sometimes that would be a curveball. Whenever I’d help my grandpa out on an errand or task, he would insist on giving me money. As quick and simple as my help was, or as much as I would try to turn it down, he would insist – his thankfulness for basic acts always left a lot for me to reflect on.  That isn’t to say Grandpa was that much of a talker – when the room was filled with conversation, the Wilson family patriarch would appear quiet and reserved, but you knew he was always observant. I only ever got to hear a handful of stories from him about his life and legacy – but I’ve learned, and continue to learn, what a kind and generous man he was. It’s heartwarming to learn of his membership in the Vincent De Paul Society and his many charitable acts which were simply a part of his daily life - and yet he would usually keep these acts to himself.  Once Grandpa spoke to me about one of his favourite poems; Rudyard Kipling’s Last of the Light Brigade – about the handful of disappearing veterans from the Battle of Balaclava - because of Grandpa, Kipling still remains my favourite writer to this day, but a few lines from this poem stand out to me: They sent a cheque to the felon that sprang from an Irish bog; They healed the spavined cab-horse; they housed the homeless dog; I feel the same way about Grandpa as Kipling did for the old men in the poem. My Grandpa was from a different breed of men – selfless, chivalric, and faithful. They believed in a common good and preserving something greater than themselves like their community or family. Like the aging men of the Light Brigade, I think people like my Grandpa are fading from our consciousness. I can only aspire to be as good of a Christian as he was. Behind Grandpa’s straight face and the grey expression of his last years, I now see a poet - a man with many years of wisdom behind him. May he rest in peace.

Edward

November 16, 2023 at 10:19 AM

My grandfather was the perfect example for intelligence and great humour. He was excellent in English literature and political science. He even lectured me in a few topics. Sudoku was his favourite game  he even taught me some tricks to finish the game and also great at chess . I will do my best to live  up to my grandfather expectations. His memory will live in me as I strive to make him proud. My grandpa will always be remembered in my heart ❤️.  I am thankful for all he as done for me and his great guidance. May my grandfather soul rest in peace. Your grandson Edward

Sylvester Wilson

November 16, 2023 at 10:05 AM

Grandfather i  always  love your intellectuals, you are the most responsible person I have ever seen in my life. I remember when my dad used to say that my grandfather will never have a beard, as he always likes to stay clean shaved, When grandfather came back to India he used to play sudoku in his tablet, and he even taught me how to play sudoku. these were the memories i will cherish. I hope you are doing well in heaven. i will miss you always from earth.                                                                                                                                                       Lots of love from your granddaughter                                                                     Elisha Wilson                                                                                            

Sylvester Wilson

November 16, 2023 at 7:56 AM

Dad I will always remember you for your hard work and honesty! I remember as a young teenager, i used to tag along with you in the winter in Delhi city to distribute the blankets to the people on the street. You continued to help the underprivileged throughout your life! I have always adored your keen interests in the languages you spoke, be it English, Tamil, or Hindi, you had a great command over the languages and a great vocabulary. I will miss you dad, wish I had spent more time with you, even as father of a teenager i feel the need for your guidance! Rest in Peace Your son Sylvester Wilson

Antony Rufus

November 16, 2023 at 1:23 AM

As I mourn along with and share the grief and sorrow of the family of my dear brother; the eldest of seven siblings, the head of our generation, I am getting overwelhmed with the memories that date back to six decades.  Once when he came home from college that was in a far away city , on Christmas holidays, he set up a Christmas tree at home assisted by all the siblings.  The gifts were wrapped with bundles of pappers, with humorous quotes inside. Children of our friends and neighbours were invited and the gifts were drawn by lots. The fun and glee that we had then still linger on in our minds. This date back to 65 years ago!  For me he was a role model and I was fortunate enough among the siblings to have maximum time spent with him.  Frozen in my memory is my 20th Birthday. Then I was in Indian Airforce, serving at Bagdogra, I received a gift parcel from my brother. Two books, one on Life of J. F. Kennedy and the other, 'World's First Love' by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  What an inspiring seed to sow in the mind of a 20 years old to aspire and mould the life and strengthen the spiritual faith! That was one of the best gifts I ever received.  We communicated a lot and that mostly used to be on literature and Faith.  His influence and contributions on all aspects of my personal and family life were immense.  From starting to settling in all spheres of my family life, his help had been enormas.  What a wonderful time our family had during our sojourn at Delhi! For five years I could spend a few minutes with him during 'tea time break' almost on all working days by virtue of having our offices situated near by.  I never got tired of spending time with his company. I always longed to discuss with him since we shared many interests. I cherish those moments to this day. Be it on literature, sports, history or on heated arguments on our diverjent views on politics.  One can never forget his countenance and charming smile while conversing.  If I were to out pour all my pleasant memories of him, it may go into volumes and volumes.  Let me end, inline with one of the popular maxims, which says,  "Depature of a loved one  is a deep hurt,  Which no one can Heal.  But the memory of the loved one is a treasure trove,  Which no one can Steal" You will ever be missed  Dear brother,  But will never be forgotten.  Wills Annan,  From my heart I will never say "Bye" May God Grant you Eternal Peace.  Rufus. 

Wayne Croning

November 15, 2023 at 10:06 PM

When I first met Iggy Uncle (as I called him) it was a long time ago; end of 2006.  It was my first trip to India and it was the first time meeting my in-laws (Iggy Uncle and his wife and family).  He was fully of energy and zoomed around on his Honda scooter, going out of his way to keep us entertained.  I slowly came to know that he was very much involved in charity work which included providing groceries to needy families through the Vincent De Paul Society.  But some of this work he did alone and never mentioned a thing to anyone.  I accompanied him on some of his 'distribution routes', providing rice, flour and the daily essentials to some of the poorer families in the nearby neighbourhood. He did a lot of walking and I had a hard time keeping up with him, especially one hot day when we had to take the train to downtown Madras city.  We walked to the nearby train station at Pattabiram, then an hour long ride to the city station, then another long walk to buy some famous sweet treats, then a bus ride to a local restaurant where he treated me to some delicious 'Dhai Burra'. By the time we got back to Pattabiram, I could not feel my legs.   I love eating guavas, and once he knew this, a local neighbour/friend turned up at the door one day with a sack of the delicious fruit.  He arranged several trips to 'Dizzieland' for our kids Marj and Aaron, to the beach, all in rented jeeps or vans. When he moved to Winnipeg, Canada, he still enjoyed his walks, especially to Walmart, where everybody (local Indian employees) knew him as 'Uncle' .  But age is never on our side and he slowly became weaker and after a few unfortunate falls, it began to catch up.   Iggy Uncle leaves behind his devoted wife Calista, daughters Maria (Caro), Sylvia (Clemy), Susan and son Sylvester and grandchildren Marjorie, Aaron, Adrens, Edward and Elisha, sisters, brothers and several relatives.  He will live on in all their hearts.  May his memory be a blessing.

Caro

November 15, 2023 at 8:36 PM

Dearest Dad: I am so glad you came to live with us with ma towards the latter part of your life. We are blessed that you were there with  us beside you until the end. I will miss the conversations we had about P.G Woodhouse, John Grisham, Jeffrey Archer books and others.  You always so lively about cricket and tennis. You always taught me to become better at any task I undertook.  I am grateful to you for all the support you gave us!❤ We will miss you, Dad! Rest in Peace!

Susan

November 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Daddy,  It is with a heavy heart that i have to say goodbye. Words fail me to express all the emotions I am going through right now. Your wisdom and guidance is something which will never be replaced by anyone. I have always admired your wit and presence of mind. I can't even begin to tell about your contribution towards the Vincent de Paul society and the social services you have done in your life, I wish  I could follow you atleast in that aspect. I am proud to be your daughter and I will miss you like crazy. Rest in peace daddy, love you lots❤

Sylvia(Cleme)

November 15, 2023 at 6:32 PM

To my beloved dad , what a wonderful human being , whenever I think of you Iam still in awe of your honesty, hardworking values and humbleness. When I see and hear how people view you especially from the younger generation  I feel blessed to be a part of your life for all these years. You will be missed. Rest in peace dad.❤

Satheesh P S

November 15, 2023 at 9:56 AM

Peripa's was such a wonderful person. Going to his house in Delhi and enjoying the tasty food is one of my best memories from childhood. He was full of wisdom mixed with humour and wit. I used to really enjoy talking about cricket with him. I will cherish his memories forever and try to be like him (at least a little) . Can't imagine the pain that perima and my cousins are going through right now, may the good lord give them strength to bear this great loss. RIP peripa❤

Damien

November 14, 2023 at 6:22 AM

Dear Akka and beloved children and grandchildren our heart felt condolences to the family. Though he is not with us he is in our heart we rewind your jocks and witty speech, you were good brother and adviser for us. We miss you for short period once again we will meet in heaven praising the glorious Jesus Christ together. 

Fr Charles

November 14, 2023 at 2:34 AM

Mr. Wilson Ignatius Gabriel always wore a smile that radiated joy. Wilson Uncle, as we fondly called him, would invite my sister and me every year to share the joy of Christmas with his family. As Suzy Akka (Susan) engaged us in fun-filled party games and Calista Aunty served us delicious snacks prepared with love, Wilson Uncle would inspire us with stories and anecdotes from his life experiences and faith in God. Growing up as his neighbour and co-parishioner, we have always admired the joyful generosity with which he served the poor and the needy, especially as an active member of our parish's Vincent de Paul Society. As years passed, we grew, and we grew apart. However, his faithful witness remained an ideal model for us to emulate. Thank you Wilson Uncle for adding joy to the lives of those you crossed paths with. Your smile, generosity and anecdotes shall live on in our memories.❤ Fr. Charles Anthonyswamy, Catholic University of Paris, France

Nancy louies

November 13, 2023 at 9:49 PM

Hello Everyone, My deepest condolences to your family, I am  Nancy ( suja sis ) after my sister's engagement I have been to her house to visit them , from that moment onwards  till now uncle and aunty was another adorable old couple whom I have seen with lots of love and care towards each other. I personally keep aunty in our prayers . Louis Nancy & family 
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page