GILLES: It is with great sadness that the family of Clement Franklin Gilles announce his passing on Friday, June 27, 2014. Clem was born on August 11, 1931 in Saskatoon to proud parents Matthias and Edna. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Doreen and children Muriel (Bob), Saskatoon; Patty (Mark), Saskatoon; Judy (Norman), Battleford; Eldon (Brenda), Edmonton; Betty , Edmonton; Marj (Dustin), Lloydminster; Sue (Rick), North Battleford; Michael , Edmonton; Rose (Jamie), Lloydminster; 20 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren; and 18 great- grandchildren. Clem was predeceased by his father, Matthias and mother, Edna; sister, Edna, brother, Earl; and granddaughter, Crystal. Clem grew up on a mixed grain and dairy farm at Paradise Hill along with his two sisters, Edna and Rosena and his brother Earl. He learned to play guitar at an early age, and was a prolific song writer. He was very adept and had many life skills at a very early age. Clem left home at the age of 15 to work on a farm in BC. He later worked in the oil fields, and in between he would do custom harvesting. Clem met and married Doreen Ballendine on October 12, 1954. They had 7 daughters and 2 sons. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this October. Clem drove semi trucks and returned to the oil rigs for a few years. Clem settled in with his own insulation and later a drywall company which he ran for over 20 years. Clem loved hunting, and ran a hunting outfitters camp at Bronson Lake, north west of Meadow Lake for close to 10 years. Many American hunters came back year after year and dad had many interesting stories to tell. His children all learned to love the great outdoors, smelling the fresh air, and just getting out there, as this was one of his passions. He always grew a fantastic, bountiful garden, often brimming with flowers, which he grew from seed. In later years, he opted for nursery stock, but always said it was never the same as growing it on his own. Clem was a hardworking man, devoted to his family, and always provided for them in the best way he knew how. In the last year, no one knew the level of pain he was enduring, as he was a very strong man. Vigil Of Prayer was held Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Presider ~ Betty Boechler. Liturgy of The Word was shared by 1st. Reading: Philippeans 3: 3 - 20 ~ Patty Perry; Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23 ~ Destiny Loewen; Gospel ~ Betty Boechler; Prayer of the Faithful ~ Amanda Loewen and "Shared Memories" ~ Scott Adams. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Greg Elder, Celebrant; both Services from St. Vital Roman Catholic Church, Battleford, SK. The Cross Bearer and Altar Server was Amelia Weber. Reception of The Body: Blessing With Holy Water ~ Fr. Greg Elder; Pall ~ Muriel Adams & Patricia Perry; Cross ~ Patricia Perry. Shared Memories were given by Scott Adams. Liturgy of The Word was shared by 1st. Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 11 ~ Destiny Loewen; Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23 ~ The Choir; 2nd. Reading: Revelations 14: 13 ~ Rhiannon Stamnes-Sherven; Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12 ~ Fr. Greg Elder & Prayer of the Faithful ~ Katelyn Stamnes. Liturgy of The Eucharist: Gift Bearers ~ Rhiannon Stamnes-Sherven, Greg Stamnes & Katelyn Stamnes and Communion Minister ~ Mr. Lloyd Beckman. Music Ministry was by the St. Vital Parish Choir. The Honourary Pallbearers were "Everyone Who Shared in His Life" and Active Pallbearers were Scott Adams, Matthew Greer, Chris Adams, Zachary Gilles, Gregory Stamnes, Amanda Loewen, Michael Belyk and Destiny Loewen. Rite of Committal took place at Catholic Extension ~Town of Battleford Cemetery, Battleford, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. (306) 446-4200 ____________________________________________________
