With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Louis Philippe Joseph Gosselin, who passed away suddenly at the age of 83 on October 22nd, 2020 at his home. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Laurence (née Robert), his four children, Gisèle (John), Rhéal (Norine), Lorraine (Paul) and Nicole (Dean), his grandchildren, Christian, Miguel (Jenna), Laurel, Dominic and Shanna, as well as his great grandchildren, Deegan (predeceased), and Mariah.
Born in La Broquerie, Manitoba, Louis spent much of his young years, and even into his married life, helping with chores along side his father on the dairy farm. Louis loved the land and later purchased his own plot of land from his father, affectionately referred to as “le six”. Louis frequently expressed his deep admiration for his father’s work ethic and strived to duplicate that trait.
In 1960, Louis and Laurence were married and chose to make Kenora, Ontario their permanent home in 1965. Louis immediately got a job as a paper maker, working for the local papermill, at that time owned by Boise Cascade. He ended his 33-year career as Boss Machine Tender and more importantly, arm wrestling champion.
Every summer, a two-week block of vacation time was reserved for an annual family road trip across Canada and nearby states. The 1967 Ford Ltd. was loaded to over capacity, with luggage racks securely strapped to the top of the car, and to the trunk. Kids were piled in, feet dangling out of each door so Louis could go around and sweep the underside of the shoes before getting in. Numerous pamphlets of tourist sites were collected, and Louis insisted on visiting every one of them. It was considered a good day if the Ford had travelled at least 500 miles. Louis also enjoyed time spent with his siblings and extended family during countless family reunions throughout his life.
Louis will be lovingly remembered for bringing unrestrained laughter to the household when sharing his mischievous childhood antics, as well as for his humorous, witty personality. Just recently he asked, “So what happens when you die? Where do you go?” His wife replied, “Well, Louis, we go to heaven.” He continued, “What am I going to see?” To that, Laurence replied, “You will see the world in 2 seconds.” Louis countered, “Two seconds?! What the hell am I gonna do with the rest of my time? They’d better find me a job!”
He will be remembered for his sturdy handshake accompanied with a heartfelt “Bonjour!” whether you were arriving or leaving from a visit; Louis didn’t believe in “good-byes”.
And so, Louis/pa/pepère/grandpepère, we lovingly say, “May this day find you with a job in heaven. May you be rejoicing in God’s heavenly manifestations! We miss you deeply and will love you always! No good-byes; just – See you soon!”
A private funeral mass will be held in memory of our beloved Louis Philippe Joseph Gosselin. Interment will follow the mass.
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