Gilles Archambault

My deepest sympathy to all Gilles family, friends and loved ones. Gilles was my boss at Dufferin Concrete. It ws my first job and what a great boss he was. I convinced his secretary Janet to go on strike if the guys didn't take turns making coffee... and Gilles would laugh and tell the guys they had to make coffee! I've often thought of him and the great times I had working for him.

I remember my Father, Art Tommy, talking about Gilles as we were growing up. When I met him at the store, he was larger than life and had a smile that could light up any room with a booming laugh that was only fitting of a man of his stature. I remember the corn roasts at Marion and Andys' where Ronnie Stewart and Gilles would teach my brother Jed, the moves he would later use in the CFL.Competitive, warm and serious:
He was one of the good ones whom we will never forget.
My sincere sympathies on behalf of the Art Tommy family,
Natalie Tommy

My wonderful memories of Gilles go back to my childhood. My parents Moe and Armande, my little brother Moe Jr. (Binny) and I spent plenty of time in his Edelweiss home. It wasn’t just a house, but a home that wrapped warmth around you, just like the man. The fireplace, furniture, dishes…were all big to accommodate our Gentle Giant. There was always a terrific variety of music playing in the background which reflected Gilles’s love of music. At the age of twelve, I was introduced to the leading ladies of jazz. Cuddling up with Dobie, his favourite dog, by the fireplace, paying Brutus and Caesar, his other dogs, a little visit were great times. Going to see his horses (Some smaller than Gilles!) in the incredibly clean stables was a real treat for this city girl. Like so many, I thank you Gilles for your giving nature. We are all better people for knowing you.

Mes sincères condoléances chère Marie.

dear Gilles may the Lord bless and be with you
your good natured presence will be greatly missed you
were loved admired and highly respected by us our whole
family and all our friends. We offer our condolences to Marie
and family.

My father Art Tommy and Gilles were very close friends that is to say my father and Mother loved him, as did many of our family. Dad shared so many stories about the friendly giant.The stories always ended in the kind of tears only deep laughter can bring.

As a boy I gazed in awe of the physical presence of the gentle giant hoping one day to play the game he did. That dream worked out, playing for Hamilton and Ottawa. I think the time I spend with he and my father and Ron Stewert at Gilles ranch at Edelweiss helped plant the seed. Football could bring friends together forever.I think we watched Grey Cup together their once.

Later, after my father passed Gilles used to come by T&L and share stories about Dad. When he walked in the room everyone stopped. He was always so well groomed a statue of a man. He didnt have to ask for a deal nor was it ever expected, we just gave it to him because we knew how much Dad loved him.

Thanks for sharing all those stories...

Gilles I cant believe we had cross coutry equipment for you! You made our day when ever you were in. Thanks from Nat Kev me Liz and Mom for that time. All the Tommy's will miss you,Valley and City.

A gentleman with class, a friend to all of Ottawa Gatinuea. My heart is filled with deep sympathy and sadness but I know without a doubt he is laughing with Andy Art Fred and Reg right now. God Bless you Gilles.

May we all remember the wonderful man in his glory, he was a very special person to my Dad and our family.

Jed Tommy

Dear family, we are very sad to hear the news. I have very fond memories of Gilles and my father, Art Tommy, from many years back. He was always very fond of Gilles. I can still hear his voice and remember his smile when the two would meet. My sincerest condolences to all of you. Lizbeth Tommy (Grand Rapids, MI, USA)

As a collegue of Gilles, I always knew him to have a kind disposition and a warm smile. He was never in a bad mood and always found something clever to say to make us smile or laugh. Im grateful for having the opportunity to have known him. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. My deepest sympathies to the family.

My deepest sympathies to Gilles' family. I knew him when as a Sports producer with CBC I covered football and spent time with Gilles especially on out of town games. Later we did a feature with him breeding horses. A good friend and a very nice person. I will remeber you.
Pierre Normandin
Kanata

I am so sorry to hear.Gilles and I go back many many years.
We played tennis together when we both lived in Wakefield.
Loved the beautiful farm he had at Edelweiss. He will be missed.

My deepest simpayhies!! Had wonderful times at the Farm when I was a child!! Was a wonderful Man and will be missed by all.

My deepest sympathy to the family! He was a great boss & friend, always greeted you with his charming smile.
Will be miss by all who new Him.

I first met Gilles when I was working at Sternson. I had left there for an opportunity that did not work out. Gilles helped me get back in. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Marie and Family

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time .

I will miss Gilles huge smile and his gentle way. I have very fond memories of him at his cozy home in Wakefield and great memories of many good times over the years with many friends .

Love
Donna Bull

The Archambault Family: My prayers are with you at this time. I had the pleasure of meeting Gilles through my Dad many years ago. When ever I would run into him he always had that big smile kind words and that big handshake of his.
Mike Sally

My deepest sympathies Marie and family
I am sad for your lost but I know how relieved Gilles must feel to be pain free now. I am pretty sure his good friend Marcel greeted him as he made his way to the light. Too good friends catching up on good old times.

Blessings
Suzanne, Joanne,Anita Villeneuve