Gilles Champagne

COLEBROOK, NH – Mr. Gilles Champagne, 56, of Edwards Street, Colebrook, New Hampshire, passed away early Thursday morning, August 27, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Gilles was born January 3, 1953, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, a son of Raymond “Tom” and Fernande (Brochu) Champagne. Gilles was a graduate of Stratford High School, Class of 1971. He worked a few months for Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen and later for Groveton Paper Company until 1977. His interests took him into the woods where he logged with a team of horses and also worked for area logging contractors before establishing his own logging business, GPC Logging, Inc., in 1981. He was dedicated to his business and continued to go to the logging sites even after he was diagnosed with his illness. He was particularly proud of the fact that his son, Lucas, worked with him and will continue operating the logging business. Gilles was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and snowmobile. He also enjoyed reading, working and riding horses, and he loved his corvettes. He looked forward to his annual vacations with his wife, Pierrette “Pete”, of 34 years, and was dedicated to his family, spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Gilles is survived by his loving wife, Pierrette “Pete” Champagne of Colebrook, NH; his son, Lucas Champagne and wife, Sheree, of West Stewartstown, NH; his daughter, Kristie Champagne of Colebrook, NH; his mother, Fernande Champagne of Colebrook, NH; two brothers, J. “Andy” Champagne and wife, Kathy, of Groveton, NH, and Yvon Champagne of Manchester, NH; two sisters, Ginette Provencher and husband, Richard, and Gisele Mountain and husband, William, all of Homosasa Springs, FL; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Madeleine and Jacqueleine Champagne; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Gilles is preceded in death by his father, Raymond “Tom” Champagne. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009, from 3-6 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Gilles Champagne

January 3, 1953 - August 27, 2009