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Gilles Saurette

Image by Nick Andréka

GILLES LOUIS JOSEPH SAURETTE

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September 9, 1950 - July 8, 2022

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, the family of Gilles is saddened to announce his passing at the age of 71.


He is lovingly remembered by his wife: Valerie; children: Adam (Sarah) and Marc (Sheri); grandchildren: Shaylin, Jada, Harper, and Hudson; brothers: Norman (Debbie) and Roger (Helene); as well as numerous relatives and friends.
 

He was predeceased by his parents: Denis & Armande Saurette.

 

Gilles will be most remembered by his warm and welcoming personality and his loyalty, hard work, and dedication that was given to everything and everyone he loved.

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Gilles worked at Tache Personal Care Home after high school while earning his Master’s in Business Administration.  At the young age of 22, Gilles spent just under 3 years in the armed forces before starting his 32-year long career as a Sales Representative with Xerox Canada.  Applying the forementioned qualities earned him several nationally recognized awards and accolades for his successes in his role.  Even after his retirement in 2007, Gilles continued to meet with and sustain friendships with his beloved customers and fellow colleagues.  Despite the hours and hard work required to achieve these professional recognitions, he still managed to find time to coach a women’s softball team, his sons’ baseball and basketball teams, chauffeur his sons to sports and activities, and build the family cabin with his brother Norm on the weekends.  Gilles made a point to make time for everyone that he loved.  Upon retirement, Gilles enjoyed 12 well-deserved years snow-birding in Texas with his wife Valerie, where they made some great friends and memories.

 

“Not how did he die, but how did he live?

Not what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth.” 

~Summer Sandercox

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A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, July 26 at Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Road.  In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba are greatly appreciated.

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In the meantime, Gilles' family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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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"

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Anna marie Livermont

August 3, 2022 at 10:06 AM

So many happy memories come to mind when we think of Gilles.   Our time in Texas, playing games and enjoying meals together.  Visiting you at the cabin.  All are memories we will charish.  His kindness and friendship will be how we member him  Gilles, we will miss you.  Our thoughts and prayers to Val and the family.  Don and Anna Marie 
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Carolyn and Yves

July 26, 2022 at 2:15 PM

Dear Val, Adam and Marc, In the few years that we were fortunate enough to know Gilles, we always appreciated his kindness, caring and good humour. We could not have asked for a better neighbour. He will be missed by so many, especially by the 3 of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
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Laura Davis

July 26, 2022 at 12:02 AM

Dearest Val and family,  I was so saddened to learn of Gilles' passing. I will always think of him as a kind man with a ready smile and an easy chuckle.  I remember fondly the adventures we had in Phuket, Thailand and our trip to Texas to visit with you both. You and Gilles always made me feel welcomed in your home. Sending you warm comfort at this very difficult time.  Laura Davis 
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Maria Vincenten

July 25, 2022 at 8:13 PM

My thoughts are with the family and friends left behind.  I remember the time I spent working with Gilles at Xerox very fondly.  He always had a very straightforward and empathetic perspective on the job and life.   He left this world too soon. --Maria  Vincenten 
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Rose Emond

July 24, 2022 at 7:47 PM

Val and family. Our deepest and sincere condolences in this very difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss. Gilbert & Rose Emond
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John and Margaret Percival

July 24, 2022 at 3:36 PM

Our sincere condolences Gille was a special person and it was an honour to have known him 
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Marty Jerrom

July 24, 2022 at 1:58 PM

Val and family. So sorry to hear of Gilles passing. My sincere condolences. I worked with Gilles on and off over the years at Xerox. Such a professional. Always calm, easy to talk to and every conversation usually accompanied by his quiet laugh and wonderful smile. A good man gone far too soon. RIP Gilles
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Gloria & Peter DeSpiegelaere

July 24, 2022 at 1:08 PM

Dear Val and family,  We are so sorry to hear of Gilles passing. We have many fond memories of Gilles. We first met when he agreed to coach our St. Boniface Hospital Women's Softball team. I'm not sure if he had any idea what he was getting into but Gilles took everything in stride! Between various degrees of softball experience, shift work and lack of equipment, Gilles managed to make our team competitive and lots of fun! During our first game, one player hit the ball and ran straight to the pitcher! No worries, next time up, Gilles ran with her to first base! He was a kind man with a great sense of humour.  We will never forget all the good times spent with Gilles and Val. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of time spent together bring you peace at this most difficult time. 
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Gary and Carol

July 24, 2022 at 12:36 PM

Our lives are changed forever with the passing of such a great friend.  Our memories are treasured moments that will live on in our hearts. Texas times, cottage times, dinner times, golf times and many happy hours blend together for such an enduring friendship. We miss you Gilles. You will never be forgotten.  Our sincere condolences to Val and family members. 
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Roger et Gisèle LaRivière

July 23, 2022 at 12:31 PM

Gilles was our best man at our wedding.  We go way back to days "au collège", playing badminton doubles with him and being on the same basketball team.  He often spoke of his love of baseball.  Even if we did not keep in touch, I would often think of him on his birthday, September 9th. Rest in peace Gilles.
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Gord & Mary Ann Brock

July 21, 2022 at 6:24 PM

To Val and family, we are so very sorry for your loss.  We have so many wonderful memories of fun times spent with you & Gilles. Will miss his smile, his sense of humour, and his laugh - always such a gentleman, even when he was teasing someone.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you, family and friends during this difficult time.  To the entire Saurette family we send our sincere condolences. Love Gord & Mary Ann 
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Rosemary McDowell

July 21, 2022 at 3:32 PM

I have so so many great memories of the times we spent with Gilles and Val. From our first days at the lake when Gilles and Val helped us build our cottage to the many mishaps they endured during their first summer at the lake, and many wonderful dinners at the lake.  Also, a fun trip out to Vancouver to help christen their new home.   Gilles will be missed!
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Terry Gysel

July 21, 2022 at 11:27 AM

To Valerie & Family;  We were so very shocked & sorry to hear of Gilles passing...Such a gentleman with such a kind heart; along with a great sense of humour..We cherish our time spent with him, especially all the yearly New Years Eve parties @ Norm & Deb’s! So fun to be around you guys! Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers..love, Terry & Ash Gysel ❤️
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Sarah Phillips

July 21, 2022 at 9:24 AM

I did not get to spend a lot of time with Gilles, the way I was able to with his son Marc, but I did get to meet him a few times. It was very clear that he was a special man and a great father who gave his sons the gift of being able to tell a great joke or funny story, and appreciate when others did the same. There was such deep kindness and genuine warmth that he brought to the handful of interactions I shared with him. All my love to Marc, Adam, Val, and all their family while they tend to this new hole in their heart. He will be fondly remembered, and his legacy of compassion and laughter will survive in the generations of Saurettes that follow.
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Nathalie & Mark

July 21, 2022 at 9:16 AM

Val and family, Nathalie and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Gilles was a very special person and we are so happy that he was in our lives. For myself, Gilles was a key mentor for me since he was the person who hired me into Xerox and it was my first real full-time job (and still is since I am still at Xerox!). He helped to guide me to make sure I was doing the right things and helped me develop a strong work ethic. Nathalie and I remember the wonderful trip we all did together to Monaco on a Xerox trip. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you. Love, Nathalie & Mark.
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Adam saurette

July 20, 2022 at 10:46 PM

Thank you all for your kind words. He was the best.  I love him and miss him so damn much!
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Lisa Mittelstadt

July 20, 2022 at 11:31 AM

Marc & family, Good dads are a true gift and it looks like you had a real gem. Cherish the time you had with him and all the memories you made. Much love, Lisa.
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George and Mona

July 19, 2022 at 8:47 PM

We took  trips with Gilles and Val from California (including the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas to Texas and to Florida We are so blessed to have such wonderful memories of Gilles   Always a smile and a great sense of humour   We will miss Gilles terribly   Taken far too soon ❤️
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doug

July 19, 2022 at 9:02 AM

❤ WOW, that was wonderful.    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.   Doug & Lor B 
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Athena B.

July 18, 2022 at 7:10 PM

Just a beautiful and touching video. I wanted to extend my condolences to the Saurette family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all 🤍
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ginette richer

July 18, 2022 at 2:37 PM

What a  beautiful tribute... I had the privilege of teaching Marc and Adam at College Jeanne-Sauve and I was so impressed with those young men. To the entire Saurette family, mes condoleances...Ginette Richer
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Jan Payne

July 17, 2022 at 11:38 PM

Val & family. We were shocked and saddened to see Gilles’ obituary in the paper.  We send our heartfelt condolences.  Neighbours from ‘the old days’.   Jan & Ron Payne
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Janet (Ramsay) Goddard

July 17, 2022 at 5:48 PM

Gilles was a wonderful person to work with. So generous and  honest. I loved his smile and his quiet laughter. Always professional; a real gentleman. He will be missed. I am sorry for you loss.
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Paul & Lorraine Farrell

July 17, 2022 at 3:34 PM

Dear Val & family We are so sorry to hear of Gilles' passing. You have many memories to cherish and help you through this difficult time.   Be assured that our prayers and thoughts are with you. Paul & Lorraine Farrell
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Kelly Aiello

July 17, 2022 at 3:28 PM

To Val and family. I am ashamed to say it has been so many years since we last connected and I was shocked to see this. Gilles was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. When I joined Xerox in Winnipeg, Gilles was one of the most welcoming. He always was quick to have a laugh and share a war story over a cup of coffee. I would love to hear his stories about the kids and growing tribe of grand kids. Val, I can’t imagine the sadness you are feeling. My heart goes out to you and everyone who loved Gilles. This is a tragic example of one of the good ones gone too soon. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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Herve and Betty Vermette

July 17, 2022 at 10:39 AM

Dear Val and Family We are very sorry to hear about Gilles' passing. Our most sincere sympathy to you and your family.  We are thinking of you.
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Lynn & Wally MacMartin

July 17, 2022 at 10:34 AM

I have wonderful memories of days at Xerox. Gilles was always an ethical sales person and respected amongst the sales team. We have great memories at their cottage & the’Snappy Crappy’, Gilles built. It was another example of his quality projects, by a quality person. Our sincere condolences to Val & all the family. A big hole to fill in everyone’s lives. Gilles was taken far too soon. RIP
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Barbara & Jim Lewis

July 16, 2022 at 8:37 PM

To Valerie and family,  we are so terribly sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to you and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Barbara & Jim Lewis
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Glenn Davis

July 16, 2022 at 5:08 PM

I met Gilles in January 1985 when I started at Xerox. He was a great mentor to me over the years.  Always positive, ethical and committed to providing the best service to customers. We would meet for lunch periodically and reminisce of the times at Xerox. Travelled with Gilles and Val to Bangkok in 1998 or 1999 as part of earning a Xerox President's Club.  After the Xerox portion was over, we extended the trip to Phuket.  Had great fun over meals and beverages.  I also visited Gilles and Val years ago at their place in Texas.  They were great tour guides and took me to some wonderful sites. I last spoke with him in April, but we didn't have a chance to meet for lunch. My condolences to Val and the family. 
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SYL PARRY

July 16, 2022 at 4:06 PM

I had business dealings with Gilles over a number of years when I worked for the Manitoba Government Purchasing Branch. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences to the family. 
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Tom Mooney

July 16, 2022 at 2:40 PM

Dear Valerie We are sorry to read of the loss of your Gilles.  Our sincere sympathy to you & your family.  Please know we are thinking of you.  Kindest regards Tom & Susan Mooney
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maureen fingler

July 16, 2022 at 2:06 PM

Dear Val & family, It was such a shock to see Gilles obit.  My heart and prayers go out to you all at this sad time. Maureen Fingler (White Rock B.C.) former lake neighbours. 
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Pat & Mariette Harrington

July 16, 2022 at 11:23 AM

Dearest Val...we are so sorry for your loss.  Gilles was such a wonderful man and we hope your cherished memories will help you through this difficult time.    Sincerely, Pat and Mariette 
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Karla

July 16, 2022 at 10:32 AM

I am so very sorry to hear this news.  My Dad loved Gilles.  I had many talks with Gilles after babysitting the boys and he would drive me home. Such a kind man and lovely family.  My heart breaks for you all.  
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Ken Bicknell

July 16, 2022 at 9:02 AM

Gilles warm and welcoming way, along with his soft spoken never ruffled voice are my fond memories.  Working in an adjacent cube as a new and sophomore employee at Xerox Gilles always was supportive and kind to me. So sad to learn the Gilles passed so young.  My sincere condolences to his family.  Ken Bicknell
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Brian and Kim

July 16, 2022 at 8:31 AM

We always looked forward for our August long weekend at the cottage with our extended family. Competitive nature was in the air whether we were fishing, playing darts or cards. Hours of laughter and fun were shared. Great meals ,glasses of wine , the odd beer and finishing off the evening with “ The Canoe Ride “ Miss you Gilles ! Brian and Kim 
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Linda Butler

July 15, 2022 at 6:22 PM

My heart breaks at the loss of this beautiful soul in our family. 
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