GASTON JOSEPH GODBOUT

Gaston Joseph Godbout, 76, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont. on Oct. 10, 2005.
Gaston was born June 25, 1929 in St. Omer, Bonnaventure, Que. Speaking only French when he arrived in Fort Frances, Gaston quickly picked up the English language and, in a few short years, acquired his own business.
Gaston’s skill at logging was apparent as his business, Godbout and Sons Timber Ltd., flourished.
He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the Rainy River District Safety Committee. One of his outstanding achievements was his consistent first-place standing in the buck saw event at the annual loggers’ competition during the Emo Fall Fair.
Even at the age of 76, Gaston came second-to-none. And he still holds the record time of 4.5 seconds in this event.
He loved the outdoors and his early-morning walks. He spent many hours on the lake fishing, with his wife, Dorleen, at his side. He loved hunting and working in his garden.
His love of his wood-working hobby can be seen throughout the district with many of his chainsaw carvings scattered around various homes.
Most of his working career was spent managing his logging operation in the bush, though Gaston cherished his time spent with his seven children, 18 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Gaston leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Dorleen, of 53 years. He also was a devoted father to Sherry Loveday, Vincent (Barb) Godbout, Jami (Jackie) Godbout, Mishelle Shaw, Richard (Laura) Godbout, and Rodney Godbout.
As well, he is lovingly remembered by his 18 grandchildren, Dion, Crystal (Shawn), Julian (Shanna), Rhonda (Corey), Duane (Sherri), Ravyn, Vincent Jr., Brandi (D.J.), Nathan (Anna), Rachel (Corey), Ashley, Jennifer, Carissa, Chad, Cole, Chelsea (Justin), Storm, and Tazmyn; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Gerald, Terese, and Jeannine (Roger).
He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Godbout; son-in-law, Duane Loveday Sr.; great-grandson, Noah Makarchuk; mother, Tharzile Godbout; father, Francois Godbout; and brothers, Yvon Godbout and Alphonse Godbout.
A prayer service will be held Friday, Oct. 14, 2005 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, with Deacon Bill Adair officiating.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Private interment will be held at a later date.
Honourary pallbearers include Dion Godbout, Julian Godbout, Shawn Angus, Duane Loveday Jr., Corey Spuzak, Vincent (Gonzo) Godbout Jr., Daniel (D.J.) Ellis, Nathan Godbout, Corey Hertz, Chad Dustak, Cole Godbout, Tazmyn Godbout, and Justin Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Hospital, Box 390, Emo, Ont., P0W 1EO or the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.