January 30, 1926 ~ May 17, 2021 (age 95)
It is with the greatest of sorrow that we say goodbye to Gerald R. Michaud. He passed in his sleep on Monday May 17, 2021, at the age of 95. His last years were in the care and comfort of the staff of Georgian Manor Long Term Care in Penetanguishene, Ontario. We are forever grateful to them for the quality of their care and compassion. We need also thank Veteran’s Affairs Canada and the Penetanguishene Legion Branch 68 for ensuring his needs were attended.
Gerald was the last surviving child of the twelve children of parents Alcide and Celina Michaud (nee Leroux) of Britt, Ontario. A curious and independent child Gerald looked to the world for adventures and memories. Leaving home at an early age he worked on railway track crews, great lake freighter ships, spent time mining in Sudbury, cut pulp wood in the bush of northern Ontario, and harvested crops in Manitoba. He enlisted in the army at age eighteen, training at Camp Shilo, Manitoba for overseas deployment. Come the end of the war Gerald became a welder by trade and worked a variety of mega projects in the postwar boom economy. Looking to set down roots he married his wife Jean (nee Lefteruk) of Selkirk, Manitoba, a girl he first met while on a Manitoba harvest adventure. Together they settled in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, raising a family, working, and creating memories. He worked in the steel business becoming the shop supervisor for a local fabrication company. He finished his working career as a welding instructor at Sault College. Upon retirement he taught himself to build cedar canvas canoes. He truly loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and simply being in the moment.
Jean, his wife of 68 years, passed away December 30, 2019. Gerald is survived by his son Barry and wife Debbie of Tiny, Ontario, Brian of Toronto and Brent of Montreal.
In his time with us our father taught us about compassion, fortitude, and self-reliance. He gave us a love of the outdoors, inspiration to travel and above all else a respect for others.
To our father life was an adventure to be embraced. For that direction we his sons, are eternally grateful.
Donations in memory may be made to the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation (705-526-4483).
