The family of Gilles Arseneault is sad to announce his departure from this realm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the age of 69.
Born in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Gilles was the son of Léon Arseneault and Annie Bella Arseneault (née Lapointe). He is mourned by his brother Jacques Arseneault (Toronto), his sisters Lorraine Bean (Toronto), Estelle Arseneault (Gatineau), and Monique Arseneault (Moncton), as well as several nephews and nieces. His youngest sister, Sylvie, predeceased him earlier this year.
Remembered as a feisty advocate for his classmates at the then-new high school Aux Quatre Vents in Dalhousie, Gilles pursued political science at Université de Moncton, cultivating a deep interest in revolutionary ideas. He later completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter, working extensively in high-rise construction. In collaboration with his friend Brian Milani, Gilles became a demolition expert and innovator in revaluing architectural remnants, often transforming them into colorful and imaginative animal representations.
Gilles’ artistic passion brought comfort during the years following a massive head injury that eventually led to his passing. A frequent visitor to the ROM, he created numerous works on paper, plywood, and canvas, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and resilience.
In a moment of confidence, Gilles shared that, at the time of his injury, he had faced a choice to live or die and had chosen to survive for a bonus of years. He saw dying as an adventure that was inevitable and has now arrived. His family weeps at his departure but rejoices in the end of his suffering.
