AUGUSTINE ‘GUS’ DESROSIERES

(NE NAA SAA WANQUOT)
Augustine “Gus” Desrosieres, 83, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Thursday, March 10, 2005 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
He was born April 7, 1921 in Fort Frances to the late Napoleon and Jane (McDonald) Desrosieres. He grew up in Fort Frances and Stanjikoming Bay.
He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers overseas during the Second World War from 1942 until 1946. Upon his return home after the war, he met and married Isabelle Morrisseau. They were together for 44 years until her death in 1991.
Gus worked as a trapper and a guide for many years. In his early years, he worked in the bush for various logging companies.
His favourite pastimes after retirement were playing crib (and winning), going to Bingo, fishing, and hunting. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a man of many stories if you got him talking. The tourists he guided over the years heard many of his “stories.” He was known for his sharp wit and sense of humour.
He was predeceased by his wife, Isabelle “Puddy,” on April 16, 1991; one son, Ronald, in 1972; parents, Napoleon and Jane Desrosieres; brothers, Phillip and Joseph; and sisters, Roseanna Shebagegit, Martha Lyons, and Mary Desrosieres.
Gus is survived by three daughters, Karla Desrosiers of Thunder Bay, Ont., Marcella Desrosiers of Atikokan, Ont., and Michelle Desrosiers and partner, Charlie Walsh, of Fort Frances, Ont.; four sons, Ken Desrosiers and wife, Kitty, of Fort Frances, Ont., Sgt. Pat Desrosiers and wife, Anchalee, of Sacramento, Calif., Clayton Desrosiers and partner, Oona Seguin, of Fort Frances, Ont., and Marvin Mainville of Regina, Sask.
Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, Potchawan, Masita, Patrick, Anthony, Kevin, Loretta, Phalina, Cathy, Joe, Jessica, Christina, Angela, Raquel, Caitlin, and Dylan; eight great-grandchildren, James, David, Alora, Darien, Macaylah, Reece, Angel, and Larissa; cousins, Fred Major, Rosie Cyr, and Lucy Cyr; close friend, Mabel Bruyere; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at Couchiching First Nation, Ont. on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 10 a.m. Fr. Francis Pudicherry and Deacon Elmer Mainville will officiate, with interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Couchiching First Nation.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Colour Party will provide its tribute at the service.
There will be a traditional wake at the Nanicost Gym on Monday, March 14, 2005 at 4 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Ken Warren, Harold Lyons, Craig Jourdain, Robert Perreault, Gilbert Perreault, and Randy Martin.
Honourary pallbearers will be Raymond, Joe, Morris, and Tommy Shebagegit, Jim Banks, Fred Major, Billy Wayash, Allan McCormick, Bill Lyons, and Junior Lyons.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, P.O. Box 837, Kenora, Ont., P9N 4B5.