Obituary of Gilles Begin

BÉGIN, Gilles Joseph Conrad

September 12, 1960 ~ July 1, 2021

On the evening of July 1st, 2021, after a long-fought battle with cirrhosis, the hardiest man in our lives passed away with a smile on his face alongside his children and wife at Windsor Metropolitan Hospital.

Gilles was born a brother of five alongside Mike, Norm, Guy, and Andre and was seemingly incapable of backing down from any challenges he faced which often led to many risky (often rewarding) pursuits in life.  From hitchhiking out west to Prince Rupert, British Columbia with his eldest brother (Mike) to constructing buildings from high with only a rope for support with LUINA 625 to extreme mountain biking to finding love. Eventually, he settled down with his wife Mary with whom he helped provide and raise his two beloved children, his eldest daughter Ashley and his son Jesse.

Over time he became a jack-of-all-trades, more reserved, and his hard-working nature earned him the position of vice-president of the Labourers' Union 625 before eventually retiring after 35 years of painstaking service. With his body no longer able to keep up with his outgoing nature he persevered through spinal fusion surgery, many hip surgeries, and even liver cancer with the help of his children, his closest friend Richard, and his sheer will to live. In these times he would often find comfort in the little things such as his ever-growing garden, finding conversation (and sometimes cookies) with his neighbours, the feel of the wind rushing by him in the driver's seat, his inhuman ability to catch a tan, and having a cold beverage amongst friends and family alike.

Often described as a kind-hearted soul he would often help others no matter their circumstance, even if it meant leaving late into the evening on his own with no hip to help drive or house someone in need.

Now that very soul of his no longer hindered by his body can experience joys both new and old in company with his family Andre, Guy, Laurent, and Thérése while his body will be carried on through his ashes for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.