Contributions to the tribute of GILBERT JOHN BELANGER

V

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Dear Bev and family, Sending our belated condolences on the passing of Gilbert. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Gilbert was always such a nice guy and so friendly. He will be missed by all who knew him. Take care!

L

Laura Fick uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Words cannot express how much I will miss Uncle Gil and my heartache for Auntie Bev, Nicole, Luke, and their families. Uncle Gilbert was always there with kind and loving reassurance for his family, an infectious laugh, and excellent prowess on the grill among many other talents. When I was 14 I had the great fortune to spend a month with Uncle Gil, Auntie Bev, Nicole, and Luke at their lovely house over the summer. That summer was populated with incredible memories like learning cross stitch with Auntie Bev, going to movies like The Mask with my cool older cousins, watching Jays games and sitting on the porch chatting and/or in quiet contemplation with Uncle Gil, and most especially spending time at their summer home on Nutimik Lake. The highlight of that trip was sturgeon fishing with their friends Al and Susan. We went out in two boats - with Uncle Gil, Auntie Bev and I in one. I was amazed by all the equipment and knowledge Uncle Gil had and was thrilled when he handed me my own rod and reel with a pickerel lure. The afternoon was spent in eager anticipation as we all focused on every twitch of the line. After hours of excellent conversation, (quiet) laughing, and bringing up a few disappointing perch, my line jerked heavily. Uncle Gil knowingly jumped to my aid and we slowly, steadily, reeled in what I thought would be a giant sea monster given the ominous plumes of bubbles that surrounded the boat. Eventually we landed an 8 lbs baby sturgeon that to this day is the epitome of my angling career and the only sturgeon caught in our boat that day! After snapping a picture, we let the living fossil return to the lake, leaving me dazzled and endlessly grateful for the experience. I was so fortunate to have this and many other core memories involving my wonderful uncle. My high school physics teacher used to say that those we love and who love us never really leave, they just become less organized. Love you Uncle Gil. I know you’ll always be watching over your beautiful family, just with slightly less organization. Laura

A

Alice McDougall planted a tree in memory of GILBERT BELANGER

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Thrive Gilbert and thank you for touching this Mother Earth and sharing your time here with all of us who had the pleasure of knowing you! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

A

Alice McDougall lit a candle

Saturday, February 10, 2024

My Dear Brother: Bless you and keep you. Sarah’s song has been with me since you left and I hear it in my heart for you and your loving family. Thank you for all the support you did provide. God Bless. “Oh this glorious sadness That brings me to my knees In the arms of the angel Fly away from here From this dark cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here”

K

Karen (Gowriluk) Zurba posted a condolence

Saturday, February 3, 2024

I have many memories of growing up at Otter Falls as neighbours of the Belanger family. Swimming, water skiing, and the many hours spent at Otter Falls Resort Restaurant on rainy days enjoying fries. And the parties! Whether we gathered at someone’s cabin, the campground or down the dump road, we managed to have fun with the our “lake friends”. I remember Gilbert as a gentleman, quiet, kind and considerate. I am very sorry for your loss. May your many happy memories help you through your grief.