Obituary of Neville Gouthreau

November 11, 1939 – North Sydney, Nova Scotia

April 4, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Neville Gouthreau passed away on April 4, 2024, at the age of 84, after a very courageous, long, and hard-fought battle, with dementia. 

Neville was born to Elmer and Florence (nee Power) Gouthreau, in North Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

In the 1970's, Neville's adventurous spirit led him west, to Alberta; where he remained until his passing. Neville was a man of good character and solid integrity. He was hard-working, honest, true to his friends and always willing to help, if needed. And although he was a realist with steadfast convictions, Neville strove to understand someone else's point of view, through empathy, understanding and compassion.

Neville experienced more than his share of life challenges, including significant family tragedies, at a young age; which taught him how to take care of himself, in any situation.  Receiving a diagnosis of dementia and the loss of his independence, were devastating to Neville; but through it all, he maintained his sense of humour and concern for the well-being of those around him.

Neville made many friends over the years, through his various interests, which included animals, music, automobiles and building/construction.  His love of animals began early in life and surmounted all, as he devoted his world to any lucky pets in his care; always having at least one dog and one cat, at any given time. Neville told the story of when he was a young boy in Cape Breton, and he and his brother found a seal pup, so brought it home to the bathtub, where they planned to keep it as a pet.  That dream unfortunately ended, when their father got home from work, that day.

Neville was predeceased by his parents (Elmer and Florence) and all of his siblings; Yvonne, Greg, Blair and Mary Estelle. He leaves behind his son Patrick Gouthreau (ON), sister-in-law Sharon Gouthreau (ON), special cousin Estelle Penny (NS) and cousins, nieces, and nephews in NS, ON and AB.

Neville is also survived by his dear friend of 30 years, Roberta King; who traveled with him on his dementia journey, to the very end, all the while ensuring Neville was safe and well cared for.

Thanks go to Michelle (aka Melissa) Mouat; who assisted Neville in navigating the unknown waters of a brain disease, that insidiously impacts every aspect of one's life. Michelle's experience and knowledge in the field of geriatrics, in addition to her wonderful sense of humour and big heart, made dealing with a shocking diagnosis, doctors and long-term care facilities, so much easier, than it might have been. But it was Michelle's personal commitment to treating ill people with respect, dignity and love, that consistently warmed Neville's heart and made him feel special.

Roberta and Michelle would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks, to the staff at Monterey Seniors Village, in Calgary, AB; where Neville resided for the past three years. Despite not being at his best physically and cognitively, Neville's caregivers there, always nursed him with gentle love and kindness, as if he was one of their own family.

Cremation has taken place and Neville's ashes will be interred in Cape Breton, with his father Elmer and sister Yvonne.  Should one feel so inclined, donations may be made in Neville's honour, to Heaven Can Wait, Animal Rescue Foundation. heavencanwait.ca.

Rest in Peace, Neville - you earned it.

We'll catch ya later!

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared here.

In living memory of Neville Gouthreau, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.