Gilles Paul Desjardins

Gilles Paul Desjardins, the founder of the Desjardins Unified Model of Alcohol and Addiction Treatment, died on Thursday, February 9 at 1:18, at the age of 76, after more than 47 years of dedicated service to the field of addiction.

His work has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals and families across this nation and the world. While his absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of all those who have known him, his life remains an inspiring example of courage, hope, and love.

He is survived by Liliane Desjardins, his wife of 34 years and co-founder of the Desjardins Unified Model; by his daughter Vivianne Desjardins Nethersole, her husband Douglas Nethersole and their children Chantale and Roxanne Nethersole and their spouses and three great-grand children; by his step-son Richard Hofman and wife Gina and daughter Samantha; and by his step-daughter Caroline Eick and her children Francesca and Emmanuel; and by his sister Pierrette Lalande, her children Marie, Benoit, Martine and Julie Lalande, and her three grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Unity Church of the Hills, 9905 Anderson Mill Road. Memorial Services will be held in North Carolina, Michigan and Montreal, QC, Canada, the dates will be announced.