Gaston “Gus” Forget
July 14, 1938 ~ October 4, 2017

Surrounded by his wife and four daughters, Gaston ‘Gus’ Forget of Medicine Hat left this world on Wednesday, October 4th, 2017, at the age of 79. He was the sixth of eight children born to Guillaume and Rachel (Rousseau) Forget of Ponteix, Saskatchewan. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Paulette and four children, Maria (Barry) Thompson, Simone (Paul Attrell) Forget, Andrea (Edward) Finlay and Michelle (Traynor Donovan) Forget as well as daughter-in-law, Eva Garcia. His puppy, Rocky, who was always at his side and is still watching the door, waiting for Gus to come home. He touched the hearts of his eight grandchildren, Mitchel, Matthew, Joshua, Alex, Rachael, Ashely, T.J. and Tyson and will be fondly remembered by his siblings, Laurette Martin, Simone (Edward) Desautels, John (Elaine) Forget and Yolande (Leo) Thibault; brother-in-law, Peter Harvey, and sister-in-law, Rita Forget; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss his kind and gentle disposition. Gus was predeceased by his parents, Guillaume and Rachel Forget; son, Mark; sister, Cecile Harvey; brothers, Willie and Rene; brother-in-law, John Martin and sister-in-law, Alice Forget. Gus’s early education had humble beginnings in a small country school, progressed to an urban all-boy’s school then advanced to Teacher’s College and culminated with a degree from the University of Calgary. He began his career in education, teaching in small towns in Saskatchewan. It was when Gus accepted a teaching position in Camrose, Alberta where he met Paulette Banack (the woman who would be his steadfast and loving companion for 52 years). They married in 1965, and moved to Medicine Hat where Gus spent the next three decades as teacher and administrator in the Medicine Hat Catholic School District at both St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s Schools. During this time, Gus and Paulette raised a family of five children. Although Gus claimed not to be musical himself, he delighted in the musical talents of his children – he did everything he could to foster their skills. He was gifted with the hands of a craftsman and the problem-solving mind of an engineer – he was always out in his garage, dreaming up and crafting projects which he would present to his children and grandchildren as Christmas gifts. His intense love for animals and nature inspired a six-week camping excursion each summer, filled with water-skiing, fishing, campfires and quality time with his family and friends. Raised Catholic, Gus lived his faith by example in his roles as teacher, father and grandfather. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered with the Camp McCoy Association and served his faith community for years as Eucharistic Minister and Usher at St. Patrick’s church. He found great comfort in his faith. In his later years, even when Gus’ health was declining, his determination and quiet strength was an inspiration to his family. His wit and quirky sense of humour were present even on his most challenging days. Despite his struggles, Gus remained committed to building relationships with his family and maintaining his faith. He is greatly loved and will be forever cherished. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Father Tomy Manjaly celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial donations in Gaston’s name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #124, 430 – 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 2S8 or to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8E8 or to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue NE, Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 6A1. Honoured to serve the family is

• Date : 2017-10-04
• Location : Medicine Hat

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