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Emile Robert Gobat

March 21, 1922 - September 29, 2017

Emile passed away peacefully on September 29, 2017, at the age of 95, in Castlegar and has gone to join his wife and best friend, Jackie. He was born on March 21, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Emile began his working career with CN Rail, and kept a love of steam, trains and all things mechanical throughout his life.

He went overseas in World War II, and after landing in Normandy and taking part in the liberation of France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany, he returned home to Manitoba before moving west, to Rossland. There, he built the house that still stands today in the Southbelt, and started his family. His intention was to move all way to the coast, but on the way he fell in love with Rossland. He became a prospector for Cominco, then CM&S, and travelled extensively to prospect minerals. He then began work closer to home as a technician in Research, retiring in 1985.

His activities and hobbies were numerous and varied: he was a member of the Provincial Emergency Program, played and taught bridge, attending many tournaments and bringing home countless trophies, and spent hours in his basement workshop, creating and fixing everything imaginable. His love of the outdoors took him on adventures of hunting, fishing, hiking, and quadding, where he captured many special moments on film, and carefully recorded and stored the thousands of memories into a vast collection of slides and photographs.

In his later years, Emile enjoyed travelling and spent time in Europe, Costa Rica, Mexico, on many cruises, and camping in his truck and camper throughout B.C. He will be missed by friends, neighbours, colleagues, travel companions, his 'grand-puppies', and family.

Emile is survived by his son Paul (Lisa Gray) Gobat, his daughter Janine (Robin) Issel, his grandsons Ryan Gobat and Tad Issel, his sister Edith Hermanson, his nephew Wes Hermanson and his niece Cindy Cassin.

He is predeceased by his wife Jacqueline Gobat and his parents Paul and Rose Gobat.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when out of town family can attend.

Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Servicestm has been entrusted with arrangements.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #14 at 2081 Washington Street, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0.

Emile was a proud member of the Legion, was awarded seven medals for his service, and most recently was given the rank of Knight of the French Legion of Honour.

May his life be a legacy to all of us who enjoy our freedoms.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca.

"Here with a loaf of bread - beneath the bough. A flask of wine, a book of verse, and thou Beside me singing in the wilderness, And wilderness is paradise."
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services



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