Gaston R. Thibodeau

God will judge us all one day and now is the time Gus will face His Maker at the Gates of Heaven—They will look together at what he has done with his life, how he treated others, how he lived his life according to His teachings and render Judgment.

They will together see a man who always loved unconditionally, giving of himself in ways most men can't. They will see a man who has given of himself, never turning his back on those in need—He would give you the shirt off of his back if you were in need, he would lend you a helping hand and was generous to a fault. Some people would take advantage of his kind and giving nature, but Gus would do it and all the while, happy in knowing he was able to help someone and never expecting something in return. He always had kind words to give someone and a gentle hand that could always make you feel better. His smile was contagious and would light up a room when he was there. His laughter would send you into belly laughs yourself, often requiring you to catch your breath. People would gravitate to him and automatically knew he could be trusted and would be the first to be picked if something needed to be done, as he was always dependable, honest and hard working. He always seemed to know what to say when you were down or had a problem that seemed overwhelming. Everyone felt a kindred spirit with him, was genuine in every way, always made you feel welcomed and safe and if you needed a friend, knew you would have a good friend in Gus. Anyone who ever met Gus liked him and anyone who knew him loved him. He was just that kind of guy.

He never in his life, hurt anyone, always tried to do the right thing and be the best man he could be. He was a man of integrity and could be trusted with anything. He was a man of honor and would not lie for his own gain or benefit. He had a strong sense of moral values, the courage of a lion and the gentleness of a lamb.

I have so many fond memories of Gus growing up together, going into the military and serving together, which he was so proud to do, to getting married, he was my "Best Man" and I his, to raising families and living our lives and all the while Gus living it with a "joie de vive". He was a man of integrity and honest as the day is long, hard working, so he could provide for his family which meant more than anything to him and was a source of great pride. He would often talk about his "boys" and you would see his eyes light up when he did and could see what they meant to him.

But life has many twists and turns and his marriage fell apart, not by his doing, but by the pettiness of others. He tried with all his might to make things work, even leaving his home town in hopes of making a "fresh start" somewhere else and salvaging their marriage and family. He was devastated after making every effort and to no avail, no matter what he did; loosing what meant everything to him.

I thank God for the day that Elaine came into Gus' life and after going through a deep depression, their meeting was the spark that brought him back from the dark abyss and into a bright and beautiful place. Gus and Elaine were smitten with each other, fell deeply in love and the day came when they were married. They grew deeper in Love with each other, even with the challenges of raising a new family with two boys who tested both their wills, patience and love for each other. But through dedicated persistence, gentle hands, kind words or encouragement and a genuine love for them, they grew to love and respect him like he loved and respected them. They went through difficult and challenging times together and did it as a family, but the future brought something that none of them nor anyone would think could happen. A tragic and devastating event happened to Gus that would not only turn their world upside down, but test their faith, beliefs, resolve and commitment to each other. Gus almost died, but was left so debilitated, he could not only communicate, but was left, crippled, bedridden and unable to even care for himself. They continued to give him their unwavering love and respect and provided him with a nurturing, caring and protective environment like a loving Family would. Gus suffered here on earth, he suffered beyond our imagination, both physically, mentally and emotionally, but even with all that, he always seemed to muster a smirk and sometimes a great big smile letting us know that he had also wanted you to be happy. And this, coming from a man not able to do anything for himself. If that is not the epidomy of courage, unselfishness and compassion for everyone but himself, I don't know what is. Gus was truly Blessed to have people like this in his life and it continued to his dying day. Their commitment to Gus is testament to the Love they had for him and their Faith kept them all together, committed to each other. They say you get what you give and I know that how he was treated and cared for is a measure of the man he was. We were truly lucky to have known Gus, privileged to have him as a friend and Blessed to have had him in our lives.

Today God is surely smiling upon Gus and with His open arms, welcoming him into Paradise, to forever live in eternal Peace and Happiness in God's Heavenly Kingdom.

Gus, I know you are in a better place and are finally free of your earthly bonds and I can only Hope and Pray I can be the kind of man you were.

We will always remember and Love You with all our hearts, "Mon Petit Frere" (My Little Brother)