Obituary of Emile Lagassé

Emile Gerard, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family at St. Joseph Hospital in Gravelbourg. Born on February 9, 1936, on the family farm east of Gravelbourg, Emile was the 5th of 9 children born to Albert Lagassé Jr and Dorila née Lussier.

Emile's early years on the Lagassé family farm nurtured his deep love for music, leading him to become a talented musician playing the Mandolin, and banjo, and later teaching himself the organ. This musical passion became a cherished legacy passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Leaving school in grade 8 to help on the family farm after his father's accident, Emile married the love of his life, Gisele Rivard, on October 7, 1959. The couple was blessed with four children: Louise, Diane, Irene, and Jean.

Emile's dedication to family extended beyond his own, as he worked as a bus driver, fostering enduring friendships between the families. His adventures with his children and grandchildren were filled with unforgettable moments, from motorbike rides to cross-country trips, playing cards, enjoying a cup of coffee, doing a puzzle, sharing a Coke-Cola or earning a hug and kiss by tempting tummies with a Kit Kat bar. The outpouring of love from his family was evident, manifested by the artwork adorning his bedroom walls, each piece crafted with special care for Pépère.

A custodian at Gravelbourg High School and later employed at St. Joseph Hospital until his retirement in 1998, Emile was affectionately called the 'Doctor' by his children and grandchildren. His unwavering presence at family events showcased his commitment to strong family values.

Emile's love for camping at Lac Pelletier became a hallmark of his life, providing cherished moments with his family. Despite the loss of his beloved wife Gisele in 2012, Emile continued to cherish time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our family expresses deep gratitude to all who offered support during this challenging time, especially the doctors, nursing staff, and EMS staff who cared for Emile.

Farewell, Papa/ Pépère /Grand Pépère, your legacy of love and music lives on in the hearts of those you touched.

Emile was predeceased by his wife Gisele Lagassé in 2012, son-in-law Paul Lalonde in 2018, parents Albert and Dorila Lagassé, brothers Henri Lagassé, Lionel Lagassé, Roland (Denise) Lagassé, and sisters Marie Ange (Jean-Paul) Caya, soeur Rolande Lagassé. Brothers-in-law Conrad Caya, Raymond Gauthier, Louis Nogue and sister-in-law Thérèse (René) Lorrain. He is survived by his daughters Louise Lalonde, Diane (André) Paulhus, Iréne (Robert) Lefebvre, and son Jean Lagassé; grandchildren Suzanne Lalonde (Shane McGurk), Andrea (Andy) Produniuk, Paulette (Denis) Dumonceaux, Nicole Lalonde, RéJean Lalonde, Cassandra Lefebvre (Shane Allen), and Rebecca Lefebvre; great-grandchildren Emilie, Nicholas, Claire, Renée, Zoé, Josée, Gavin, Xander, Kale, and Emma. Also survived by sisters Claire Caya, Thérèse (Leo) Rivard, and brother Paul (Lucille) Lagassé, brother-in-law Jules (Lorraine) Rivard, and sisters-in-law Cecile Gauthier, Juliette Nogue, Margaret (Alfred) Eason, and Hazel Lagassé. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins mourn his loss.

Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral with Father Yves Martial Kouame celebrant. A family interment will take place at the  Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Emile to St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated.