Gilles Bouchard

An Extraordinary Life, A Remarkable Man, A Heart of Gold

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Gilles Bouchard, who passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:00 p.m., at the age of 91.

Born on May 22, 1935, in Québec, Canada, to Jules and Marie Bouchard, Gilles lived an extraordinary life filled with strength, courage, kindness, and an endless love for his family.

A hardworking and dedicated construction worker, Gilles was a man of remarkable resilience. During his career, while sandblasting the Québec Bridge, he suffered a devastating accident that nearly took his life. A high-pressure sandblasting hose struck him, causing him to fall from the bridge and leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Doctors gave him only 24 hours to live, fearing that a severe infection would claim his life.

But Gilles had other plans.

Against all odds, he survived. What doctors believed to be impossible became a miracle that his family would cherish forever. That extraordinary second chance at life allowed him to spend many more precious years with the people who loved him most.

Gilles embraced life with a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He loved cross-country skiing, cycling, skating, and taking peaceful walks along the beach. He found happiness in life’s simplest pleasures and never lost his appreciation for the beauty of the world around him.

Above all, Gilles was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a man with a heart of gold.

For 63 beautiful years, Gilles shared his life with his beloved wife, Claudette Chavanel. Together, they built a lifetime of love, devotion, and cherished memories. Their enduring marriage was a beautiful example of companionship and commitment, a bond that stood the test of time and remained an important part of the family they created together.

His kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the kind of man who was impossible not to love, and his presence brought comfort and happiness to those around him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Claudette Chavanel; his two loving daughters, Nancy Bouchard and Sylvie Acovski; his cherished grandchildren, Andy Gagnon, Anthony Acovski, and Stephanie Acovski; and his beloved great-grandson, Cameron Gordon Acovski.

His greatest legacy was not simply the remarkable life he lived, but the love he gave, the family he cherished, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Although our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the 91 years we were blessed to have him. A man who once defied death went on to live a long and meaningful life, reminding us that every day is a gift and that miracles truly do happen.

Some lives are measured in years. Others are measured by the love they leave behind. Gilles was blessed with both.

His strength will continue to inspire us, his kindness will never be forgotten, and his love will remain in our hearts for generations to come.

Rest peacefully, Dad. You were a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, our miracle, and forever our hero.

You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Never forgotten.