GALLANT, Alyre Joseph - Alyre Joseph Gallant of Scarborough, Ontario, passed away peacefully on May 12th, 2020 at the magnificent age of 97 1/2.
He was blessed to start his heavenly journey surrounded by his family; wife Margaret of 73 years, his four children and five grandchildren.
He will be remembered as a loving father, proud grandfather and decorated war veteran.
Alyre was born on December 23, 1922 in Piusville, Prince Edward Island, to parents Mosey and Lauretta (nee Martin) Gallant. He grew up in a loving family and was the third eldest of 10 children.
In 1941, Alyre enlisted in the army and fought throughout Europe. He landed on Juno Beach in 1944 for the June 6th D-Day invasion. On May 4th 1945, he was one of the Canadian soldiers who liberated Holland. His brothers, Edgar and Tilman also answered the call to serve their country and all three boys returned safely.
Alyre was very proud of his service during World War II as a Sherbrooke Fusilier and made many trips back to England, Holland and France to celebrate the accomplishments of the Canadian soldiers. In 2015 he returned to Holland to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation with his son Brian, daughters Shirley and Christine and granddaughter Elizabeth. It was a magical and memorable experience. He had a special place in his heart for the Dutch people and the gratitude and kindness they demonstrated.
In June of 2019 he returned to France with Brian and the Canadian contingency to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Alyre was awarded the rank of Knight with the French Legion of Honour. It was a medal that was cherished.
While stationed in England during WW II, Alyre met his bride to be, Margaret Whelan. They married in 1947 in Prince Edward Island and welcomed five children into the world, Allan, Barbara, Shirley, Brian and the youngest, Christine. Sadly, their first son Allan passed away at the tender age of 9 but always remained close in his heart and thoughts. Alyre was the proud grandfather of Danielle, Nicole, Michael, Katie and Elizabeth and father in-law to Richard (Christine) and Debbie (Brian).
Al lived a life of hard work and service not only to his country, but also to his community and Precious Blood Church. In his early years, he spent many hours coaching little league baseball, building skating rinks, organizing summer picnics, planning dances and parties for American Standard, playing Santa, just to mention a few.
In his golden years, he was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, St Vincent de Paul Society and volunteered in numerous other church ventures. Alyre was a devout Catholic and attended daily mass until his body would no longer allow it. He was proud of his faith and treasured his many friends in the Precious Blood family, especially the many priests he met in his 65 years as a parishioner.
Alyre had a special place in his heart for Prince Edward Island. He loved spending summers with his mother, brothers and sisters playing scat, digging clams, eating lobster, fishing eels and breathing in the salt water air.
Alyre was preceded in death by his son Allan Francis, his parents, Mosey and Lauretta Gallant, his brothers Leo (Theresa), Edgar (Lois), Tilman (Irma), Elmer (Marie), Martin and step- sister Marion(Marcel). He is survived by his wife Margaret, children Barbara, Shirley, Brian(Debbie), Christine (Richard), grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Michael, Katie and Elizabeth, his siblings Mildred(Clarence), Edna(Bill), Beatrice(Tony), Marie(Joe), step-brother Clifford(Rita), countless nieces, nephews and friends.
He will be remembered fondly for his devotion to his family, his winning smile, his volunteer work, his pride of being a veteran, his love of cards, his friendly demeanour, his life long love affair with whiskey, his brown sugar fudge and his rendition of Alouette!
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN DAD...
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