A tireless worker, devoted family man and prominent Wallaceburg businessman has died.
Gil Bilodeau died suddenly on Monday, December 1.
He was 78.
Bilodeau began his electrical career in 1951 at the Dominion Glass Company.
In 1967, he founded Wallaceburg Electric and then Gil and Sons Limited (GSL Group) where he was president and CEO.
He retired in 1999.
Bilodeau was the beloved husband to Marie for 57 years.
He is also survived by his children Paul, Linda and Steve, his grand children Matthew Salisbury, Danielle Bilodeau, Michael Salisbury, Michael Bilodeau, Chantelle Bilodeau, Tyler Bilodeau, Chelsea Bilodeau and his great grand daughter, Emma Salisbury.
Wallaceburg resident Stuart McFadden, the deputy director for the Chatham-Kent economic development department, said he will be missed, but never forgotten.
“Wallaceburg was built on the thoughts and dreams of entrepreneurs that decided to start their own business and Mr. Bilodeau was a true entrepreneur,” McFadden said.
“I had the advantage to hear about the stories from Paul and Steve about Mr. Bilodeau’s work ethic and the measures he would take to make sure his customers were taken care of. Paul told me a story about a bad ice storm and they worked around the clock for a few days getting people hydro. His work ethic was unmatched.”
McFadden added: “Mr. Bilodeau’s love for business was nothing compared to his love for his family.”
A private family service was held at the Haycock Cavanagh Funeral Home in Wallaceburg.
Remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation may be left at the funeral home at 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg or by calling 519-627-3231.
Online condolences can be left at www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca.
Photo from Facebook: Gil Bilodeau with his wife Marie.
