Dear Karin and family, we were saddened to learn of Gus' untimely passing. Our thoughts are with you at this rough time. Sincere condolences, Judy and Alex
Very sad news and a blow to Bloomsday and to the Irish Montreal community.
Gus was one of the first people to set up a Bloomsday event here in the city many years ago - before we started the Bloomsday Montreal Festival. And he has been one of our most ardent supporters and participants in the events as well as an active Board member. Just last week he was participating in our Finnegans Wake session at the Westmount Library. Of course, he was also one of the most important and active members of the Montreal Irish community as well.
Our deepest sympathies to Karin and the family. He will be truly missed.
With deepest sympathy to Karin, Mike & Aisling
I met Gus in 1973 when I arrived in Montreal to take up a new position at Aer Lingus. I came to know him through the MIRFC and enjoyed his company throughout the 70s. We met regularly in the Old Dublin in social hours but I knew he always worked hard, long hours and I had immense respect for him and valued his company when I would see him no only in the pub but out in Ste Julie also in the summer months. I hadn't seen him for years when I was invited by Ned Eustace to join him to see a play in which Gus played a detective, if my memory serves me well, in 2003. I think it was an Agatha Christie play. What a star he was in that and in the gap of years we laughed in the post play drinks how we both had turned bald. He was the same Gus. In my second sojourn in Montreal in that period between 2003-08, I came to realise what an immense influence he had made on the Irish community via the St Patrick's Society and he leaves a wonderful legacy by his founding of Nuacht. He was a gentleman and certainly a scholar who was a proud Irishman, husband and father. My heart goes out to Karin and his children. Requiescat in Pace.
Karin,my very sincere condolences on Gus's passing.
Benvon loved him as a teacher,mentor and friend. I have very fond memories of our time in Montreal ,with Benvon spending happy days at the Children's hospital .me talking rugby with Gus,and our winter in the Laurentians.I still have a painting in my bedroom of Brendan and Kevin on the hill by the house, on skies, leading to the lake!
He was a lovely man and your happy memories of him will requite your loneliness.
Requiescat in pace.
Pat