Obituary of Gerard Julien Yvon

After a short illness Dad passed away at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB, on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the age of 98. Dad lived a very full life and we are all very grateful to have been a part of it.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Barbara Sawka (Earl), Gordon (Erika) & Janet Chobotar, his eight grandchildren: Allen, Chris, Brigitte, Renae, Jordon, Alaina, Tammy & Rhonda & his 15 great-grandchildren: Zane, Brady, Natasha, Alex, Aiden, Cody, Austin, Sienna, Ryleigh, Kieran, Huxley, Hugo, Quenton, Keatyn & step-great-grandson Liam. He is also survived by his 100 year old sister Irene Fournier.

He was predeceased by his wife Irene (1996), his son Allan (1990), son-in-law Bill (2020), brothers Louis (2008), Joseph (2019), sister Yvonne Wallace (1996), father Louis (1969) and numerous in-laws.

Dad was born and raised in Woodridge the youngest of five children. In 1943 at the age of 18 he joined the Canadian Army to fight in WW2. He completed basic training in Calgary then was sent overseas where he served 20 months in the United Kingdom and Northwest Europe.  When he was discharged in 1946 he returned home and in 1947 he married the love of his life Irene Lebleu. They made Woodridge their home and spent 47 wonderful years together. Dad worked very hard in the wood industry making it his life long career and had a work ethic that was second to none. He was always true to himself, a man of strong convictions, never complaining or wavering in who he was, regardless of what challenges he faced.

A celebration of dad's life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

Father Serge Buissé will be officiating.

Interment will take place following the service at the Woodridge Cemetery, Woodridge, MB, where dad will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jordon Yvon-Moreau, Chris Sawka, great-grandsons:  Quenton Kardoes, Austin Campbell, Brady Sawka and Zane Coleman.

Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at Le Chalet in La Broquerie whose dedication and support provided Gerard with comfort and care over the years. A special thank you to the Bethesda Regional Health Centre Rehab Unit staff for the extremely kind and thoughtful care they provided Gerard during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southeast Helping Hands, 525 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 0L5. Pledge cards will be available at the funeral service.