Cyril Gamache

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cyril Boniface Gamache beloved father, pepère, arrière-pepère, brother, uncle and friend.  Surrounded by family, Cyril passed away on Friday, April 11th, 2025 at Ste. Rose Hospital at the age of 90 years young.

Born on May 14th, 1934 Cyril grew up on a farm, north east of Laurier, surrounded by a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.  From a young age he was familiar with hard work, tending to chores and walking to École Pennarun when the weather was mild.  During the colder months they would take the horse and sleigh to school. 
Cyril met the love of his life, Cécile, while she was completing her LPN practicum at Ste. Rose Hospital. Determined to start their life together and with the help of his uncle Émile, Cyril worked at the Laurie River Dam near Thompson to save for their future.  They married December 28th, 1957 and lived in Ste Rose du Lac.  Cyril also worked as a grader operator for the rural municipality of Ste Rose for approximately 10 years.  In 1964 they moved to a large plot of land east of Laurier, MB where they raised four children, cultivated the land and cared for a variety of livestock. In 2003, after years of hard work, they retired to Ste. Rose du Lac where they rekindled old and began new friendships. Cyril spent many hours with his good friend, Fred Ritchot, checking traps, hunting and taking drives. Following Cécile’s passing in 2019, Cyril moved down the street to Les Trois Villas where he spent his remaining years amongst friends.

A true outdoorsman, Cyril loved fishing year-round as well as camping and going on hunting trips with various family members. He enjoyed long drives to spot wildlife or simply to enjoy the surrounding beauty. His love of travel was shared with Cécile with whom he explored much of Canada and the U.S from coast to coast. Despite their many travels Cyril always looked forward to returning home.

Cyril’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren—whether it be bringing them on numerous rides (tractor, snowmobile, tri-cat, argo, etc.), cheering for them at their hockey and baseball games, watching dance recitals and spending quality time fishing and hunting.  He also enjoyed watching the Montreal Canadiens and discussing the game the following morning at coffee with his friends. 

Cyril was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Cécile, parents Jeanne (Dupré) and Philippe Gamache; brothers Gérald, Gérard, Fernand, and Luc Gamache; and sisters Marie Gamache, Denise Saquet, Sylvia Saquet and Angeline Houde, as well as brother-in-law Noel Saquet and sisters-in-law Judy Gamache and Mary Gamache.

Cyril will be deeply missed by his children Marc (Maureen) Gamache, Lynn (Jean-Claude) Bond, Nicole (Wally) Marten, Doris (Darryl) Hopfner, his 13 grandchildren Lenard (Deanna), Kristjana, Tabitha (Josh), Dakodah, Josée (Jason), Joey (Stephanie), Jesse (Kristen), Jérémie, Chantale, Janelle, Braydon, Reece (Brayley) and Sara, his 12 great-grandchildren Rylee, Natalee, Rooney, Wrenley, Hallie, Nathan, Brysen, Khloe, Kelsey, James, Kaysin and Reina, his sister Bibianne (and Ron) Plessis, brothers Adrien and Jean Gamache, brothers-in-law Jules Saquet and Lucien Houde and sister-in-law Donna Gamache as well as many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

There’s no perfect way to sum up a life so full of love, wisdom and quiet strength.  Cyril wasn’t loud about his impact but if you knew him, you felt it.  He led with kindness, worked tirelessly and loved deeply.  In this moment of goodbye, we are heartbroken yet profoundly grateful.

A service in his honor was held at the Notre Dame des Victoires Church in Laurier, MB on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Dr. O’Hagan for his care and compassion throughout 30 plus years. Thank you to Ste Rose Hospital staff who cared for him in the last weeks of his life and the Home Care staff for their dedication and support.