Benjamin Gignac

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Benjamin Gignac announces his passing quietly in the night at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on August 2, 2020 at the age of 76.

Ben was a fiercely loyal husband to his wife Donna (nee Bosley- deceased, 2016) and loving father to Laurie- deceased (Richard- deceased), Tracey (Domingos) and Derek (Kim). He was a proud grandfather to Cassandra (deceased), Jordan (deceased), McKenna, Haley and Hannah.

He is survived by his siblings Jacqueline (Andrew), Gail (Gerry- deceased), Wayne (Rosalee), John (Sandra), brother-in-law Harvey (Denise-deceased) sister-in-law Linda Deshevy (Art). He is predeceased by his parents Steve and Olive (nee Herdman) his siblings Douglas (Pat- deceased), Jean (Bill), Ted (Anna Jean), Kenneth.

Ben will be fondly remembered as an active member and coach for the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association and member of the executive for nearly 30 years, Osprey Links Golf Club Member and an all around gentle soul. He was a quiet observer, taking in all the family fun and commotion during the many Gignac Family Celebrations. What will be missed the most is the opportunity to steal a quiet moment with Ben to yield some steadfast guidance. A humble man who will be remembered fondly and missed profoundly by his friends and family.

While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we know in our hearts that Ben is where he wants to be, with Donna.

During this unprecedented time of COVID-19 restrictions, the family has made the extremely difficult decision to hold a very small, private gathering.

Donations and expressions of sympathy in Ben’s name can be made to Parkinson Canada entrusted to Hillside Funeral Services.

Dear Friends and Family,

It is with extremely heavy hearts that this letter finds you. Dad’s passing comes as a bit of a surprise to us at this time and while we are grieving and going through the motions of planning next steps, we find ourselves wading through uncharted territory with the added complications of COVID-19 restrictions.

Please know that we are deeply sensitive to these newly imposed restrictions and are doing our very best to navigate through these unprecedented times, especially through this current process of planning Dad’s funeral/celebration of life.

We have decided to proceed with a very small and private gathering at the house for immediate family as Dad did not wish to have a funeral or wake. You know Benny…he didn’t want anyone to make a big fuss and he was such a quiet and private man.

We understand that this will unfortunately exclude so many friends and family members that we know would have, under different circumstances, attended to pay respects to Dad. We are so very grateful for the expressions of sympathy and feel your love and well wishes even though we aren’t able to come together to support each other in person at this time.

We are overwhelmed by the expressions of sympathy for Dad’s passing and recognize just how far his circle of influence extends as he was such a kind man to so many. We are deeply saddened by his loss but we know in our hearts that he is truly where he wants to be, with Mom.

All our love and kind appreciation for your understanding and support during this time,

Derek and Kim, Tracey and Domingos.

xo