It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donald Gilbert of Matachewan on April 3, 2024 at the age of 58.
Donald passed peacefully with his family by his side at the Blanche River Health in Kirkland Lake after a lengthy battle of cancer.
Donald is predeceased by his loving parents Bruno and Gemma nee (Cloutier) Gilbert, his brother Serge, sister-in-law Laura nee (Robichaud), brother-in-law Steve Timchuk, brother-in-law Dan Porteous, father-in-law Henry Sr. Batisse, and brother-in-law and Best Friend John Batisse.
Donald is survived by his loving Wife Jeanine nee (Batisse) Gilbert, Sons Zackery (Mya Saar), Nickolas (Kendall Bates) and his favorite Lil Man and Grandson Harrison as well as his fur-baby Molly.
Also left to mourn is his brothers Claude (Janet), Gaetan (Helen) and Marc (Carol), his sisters Gisele (Bob) Binkley, Suzanne Gilbert, Ann (Adrian) Boucher, Lise Gilbert, sister-in-law Lisa Batisse, brother-in-law Henry Jr. (Kayla) Batisse, several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews.
Donald was a loving husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Donald was raised in Matachewan and in 1981 where he met his soulmate and best friend Jeanine, a true love story. Donald and Jeanine continued to reside in their hometown of Matachewan where they would raise their two handsome sons and after more than 30 years of togetherness they officially married on April 5, 2014.
Donald started his career as a Sheet Metal Installer for Industrial Cladding in 1989 where he would work for the next 25 years. His position took him to many communities across Ontario. He had a strong passion for the work as well as an amazing and cherished work family.
In 2015 Donald shifted his career and accepted a position as a miner with the Young Davison Mine in Matachewan to be closer to home and with his family.
Donald loved the outdoors he and his wife built a camp where they shared great times with their children, family and friends. He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed just touring the back roads on his ATV.
Later Donald would hit the highway and share a passion of riding motorcycles with his wife and fur-baby Molly riding alongside him. Their rides took them across Ontario with stop overs at every Dairy Queen along the way.
Donald was a dedicated, kind and loving family man. He spent his free time teaching and taking care of the needs of his family. He spent many hours in his garage maintaining and caring for the family vehicles and ensuring his family's safety.
In January of 2022 one of his biggest treasures his Grandson Harrison gave him his honorable title "Grandpa" and he wore that title proudly becoming the Best Grandpa Ever! There was nothing in this world that would get in the way of him spending every moment possible with his grandson Harrison. There is no love like the love of a Grandpa and his Grandson, a bond that could never be broken.
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Until we meet again.
Ride on My LOVE!
The Family would like to thank the Blanche River Health Care Team for their exceptional care, support and compassion during this difficult time, it certainly didn't go unnoticed. We are so grateful and would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kurki, Dr. Moore and Dr. McPherson for going above and beyond in providing the best possible medical care.
Cremation has taken place as per Donald's wishes.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to HSN Cancer
Center in memory of Donald to the Northern Cancer Foundation by cheque (41 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON., P3E 5J1) or online at:
https://ncfsudbury.akaraisin.com/ui/donatenow/donations/start