It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gilles Gervais at the age of 59 years on Monday, October 17, 2022. As per his wishes, he passed away at home with his loving husband Jean Paul Pelletier by his side after a courageous 1.5-year battle with cancer. Son of the late Damase and Juliette Gervais (née Roy). Loving brother of Lucie St Martin (Dr. Moe), Paul-Émile, Viviane Burgess (Miles), Luc and brother-in-law Robert Pelletier (Brenda). He will also be lovingly remembered by his nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles as well as many cousins.
Gilles and J.P. met in 1992 and were married in 2005. He was the most caring husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle. Gilles was a big kid at heart. During family get-togethers, he could always be found on the floor playing with the kids and the dogs. Gilles always had a soft-spot for rescue animals and was a proud daddy to many fur-babies including Cashmere, Molsen, Buffy, Nibbler, Bella, Kirby and his cat Kiddy.
Gilles and J.P. owned and operated Zig’s Bar, Northern Ontario’s first openly gay establishment in 1997. His next venture was in the world of real estate. Gilles’ loss will be deeply felt by his work family, the Kuula Team of Re/Max Crown that he was a part of for 18 years. He will always be remembered as a true gentleman with an infectious smile. As per his request, there will be a Celebration of his Life held at Cambrian College, Student Life Centre on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. During this time, there will be an open mic and guests are invited to share their stories and memories of Gilles.
It’s heart breaking to note that Gilles passed away. I was his neighbour and he always had a big heart and he was so helpful. Sorry JP
April 11, 2024
Zig will be missed but will live on in all of us whose hearts he touched.
JP my heart felt condolences on your loss.
He was one of the good ones.
Larry
October 26, 2022
Luc, my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your dear sweet brother.
I did not have the honor of meeting him, but I can see his kindness in his bright smile.
May he rest in peace.
October 22, 2022
I was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Gilles. He was a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community. Thank you for all you did for the community. My thoughts are with his partner and family.
Ligaya Byrch
October 22, 2022
Dear J.P. and family. I had the pleasure of working with Gilles at Re/Max Crown Realty. He was a true gentleman and always willing to give advice or whatever was needed. He will be dearly missed by everyone whose hearts he touched.
October 22, 2022
Luc: My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I never had the pleasure to meet your brother, but I am confident he possessed the same kindness and loving character as you, my friend.
Heather
October 21, 2022
So sorry for the loss of Gilles. He brought a wonderful presence to the real estate world. He will be missed
October 21, 2022
My condolences go out to the family. Zig and I recently reconnected after many years and it was like picking up where we left off. I remember the day we found Cashmere and that tiny scared dog ran right in to Zigs arms. He knew he had found a good spirit. Gilles, we shared many teenage memories that I will not soon forget. Always in my heart. 💖 Only Zig will understand the following… Catch ya on the other side….k bye ❣️
October 21, 2022
I will always cherish the memories of our community. Such a close knit family of friends with Zig & J.P. providing our safe place to land. My heart goes out to you J.P. and your families and friends, with my deepest condolences.
October 21, 2022
He was such a kind and friendly man.
He gave many of us a safe space during some dark times.
Such a great loss.
My condolences to JP and his family ❤️
October 21, 2022
Dear JP. Weve never met nevertheless both Gilles Ziggy and I were very good friends while in our teens. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss May he rest peacefully on the shade of gods wings
October 21, 2022
My deepest condolences J.P. and to the Gervais family .
Zig was such a kind and caring person I never had the chance to see him often after I moved to Toronto 32 years ago, but he always had a special spot in my heart .
R.I.P Gilles.
October 21, 2022
My condolences to the family and loved ones of Gilles. “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”
October 21, 2022
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toi Jean-Paul, et à la famille Gervais.
October 20, 2022
Dear J.P. I am so saddened by this news. Gilles was such a very special man that brought so much joy to everyone around him. Luise and I are so so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you, your family as well as the Gervais family.
Rachel Gervais and Luise Nikodem
October 20, 2022
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toi Jean-Paul et la famille Gervais.
Ta cousine
October 20, 2022
So sorry for your loss JP and family.
Gilles was a super sweet man.
October 20, 2022
Sincere condolences JP and the Gervais family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Gilles
October 20, 2022
Mes plus sincères condoléances JP ainsi qu’à toute la famille. Il a apporté beaucoup à notre communauté et sera manqué par tous.
October 20, 2022
My condolences to Lucie and the entire family.
October 20, 2022
My sincere condolences to JP and the Gervais family.
October 20, 2022
My deepest condolences to JP, family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a true gentleman,and loved by all’. RIP Gilles. 🙏🙏♥️💙
October 20, 2022
My condolences to you JP and family.
He was a wonderful caring man who will be missed but never forgotten.
October 20, 2022
Dear J.P. and family,
Gilles leaves a legacy of respect, authenticity and gentleness to all those he met. He was a “gatherer” and worked hard at providing a safe space, both at ZIG’s and by his hospitable personality, where people could be and express their true self. Greeting people with open arms and his million dollar smile made them feel important. Thank you Gilles for all you continue to be in your legacy to us and for all you have done to teach us that being authentic to oneself is the only true way.
J.P. find consolation in that you upheld Gilles in his wishes and know that I uphold you and the rest of Gilles family in my thoughts and meditations.
Norm Blanchard
October 20, 2022
My most heart felt condolences go out to Jp and Gilles’ family. I had the great pleasure of working with Gilles since 2013. I looked up to Gilles as a father figure as he reminded me so much of my late father. I will miss our daily afternoon walks, our chats and laughs. Rest in peace mon beau Gilles!
I love you and miss you.
October 20, 2022
Profound condolences to you, Viviane, and to your whole family.
October 20, 2022