December 9, 1936 - March 22, 2023
In loving memory ~
After many health challenges in recent years, Gabriel died at home with his family around him. On a drive a few days prior to his death, he saw the trumpeter swans and the sun shining on the beautiful valley he loved.
Born in Belgium in a family of nine siblings, he served in the army and worked in a major hotel in Brussels. He was teaching in an agricultural college when he had the opportunity to have a work period on a Canadian farm. Once here, he decided to immigrate.
He and his wife, Heather, raised their family in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and in Prince George, B.C., before moving to the Comox Valley in 1977. He worked in sawmills and in pulp mills as a millwright and an administrative planner, and here in the valley as a florist. Throughout the years, his generosity and compassion were reflected in his community involvement.
Gabriel and Heather shared their home with many international students, and through Heather's retirement tutoring made lasting friendships with young people from all over the world. He treasured their letters, cards, and gifts over the years, and would have been overwhelmed by their emails expressing gratitude for having known him.
Gabriel leaves behind a large and loving family in Belgium, France, Switzerland, England, the Republic of Ireland, and Nanaimo (one sister and 35 nieces and nephews) and his own family here: Heather and their three sons and daughter: Greg (Anita), Michael (Robin), Patrick, and Christine; five granddaughters: Emilie, Chantal, Gabrielle, Ruby, Theo (Daniel); and great-grandchildren, Liam, Eion, and Aryn.
Gabriel was a man who spoke little and felt much. He loved his family, cherished his friends, and was happiest with his feet in a garden.
The family would like to express deep appreciation to the surgeons and specialists in Vancouver, Victoria, and the Comox Valley who gave us so many good years with Gabriel. We would especially like to thank Dr. Doug Anderson, the Medicine Shop pharmacists, and their staffs for their support and compassion.
Donations to YANA in his name would have pleased him. He had insisted that our donation to a friend in Turkey after the earthquake be used to help children there and lived to see a beautiful video of a family receiving his help.
There will be no service. The family will gather in the summer to celebrate a life so well lived.