On December 24, 2016, Gilles Sabourin, while embraced in the love of his family, passed peacefully to reunite with his sister, brother, mother and father.
Resigning to his long fight against Alzheimer’s, Gilles leaves behind his loving wife Lenda, his son Yvan and partner Lisa, and his daughter Kimberley and her partner Bjorn.
Born in Mt. Laurier to a loving family of 7 sisters and 2 brothers, Gilles took a chance on a different life and went west – all the way west – to meet his wife and start his family, business and life. He lived honourably, lovingly, generously and kindly and his family of four felt blessed to share his time as their lives were defined.
Hardworking and always learning, Gilles became proficient with construction and finance leading him to prosperity in real estate and construction. He never gave up and lived by his terms so he could provide for his family and never leave them needing. His saying kept him grounded: “Don’t fight, I’m always right,” and his family kept him energized to rise higher and higher.
As hard as he worked, he also made time to enjoy the simpler things. Gilles enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, biking, race car driving and piloting his plane. His biggest and most competitive pastime hobbies were golf and hockey. He enjoyed competing for course records at the golf clubs or playing a hard game of hockey.
He will be missed for forever-and-a-day by those he leaves behind – one brother Denis Sabourin; six sisters Lucille Sabourin, Nicole Sabourin, Claudette Sabourin, Lise Sabourin, Francine Sabourin, Suzanne Sabourin; five sisters-in-law Margo, Cecile Clave, Margaret Malloff, Olga Zebroff and Diane Zebroff; six brothers-in-law Gerald Dupui, Steven St. Louis, Robert Miron, Alain Whistle, John Malloff and John Zebroff; his dear friend Guy Douville as well as wonderful and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, business partners and colleagues.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, caregivers and staff in Brookhaven Care Center who cared for Gilles with kindness, compassion and professionalism. We would also like to say thank you to the doctors for Gilles’ care over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Caregivers Wish Foundation at Brookhaven Care Centre (Macintosh unit) in Gilles’ name. A private family service will be held in January of 2017.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.