Gilbert RobertGilbert Robert, one of the founding members of the RV Dealers Association of Canada, died on Friday, April 10, at the age of 80. He died peacefully in his home on Good Friday with his wife Jeannine by his side.
Gilbert is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years, Jeannine, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, sister, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Simone Robert; his sister Mona Saurette and his brother Roland Robert.
Born on August 27, 1939, Gilbert grew up on the family farm in Silver Plains, Manitoba, Canada. He married Jeannine, the love of his life, on September 17, 1960. Together, they moved to Winnipeg where they raised their three daughters. These early years were filled with music, laughter, big family dinners and camping trips.
It was during one of these family camping trips that Gil discovered something that would be the catalyst to his successful business career. The family trailer had been badly damaged during a windstorm and he was surprised to learn from his insurer that there were no RV repair shops in Winnipeg.
So, he fixed the trailer himself and a year later, together with his cousin Noël and brother Rhéal, opened GNR Sportsland Centre. What started off as a RV repair shop quickly grew into GNR Camping World, the successful RV dealership and service centre that it is today. Gil also helped others share in his success by working to grow the RV industry. Founder of the first 20 Group in Canada and co-founder of the RV Dealers Association of Canada, he pioneered the creation of numerous camping and RV shows across North America and was the first Canadian to be inducted to the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame.
Gilbert was a generous man who made it a priority to give back to his community. He mentored many young entrepreneurs through Le Club des hommes d’affaires franco-manitobains, an association that he co-founded. He also donated his time and money to support numerous charitable foundations including Francofonds, the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and the St. Amant Foundation, and was recently honoured with the St. Amant Together Award.
Above all, he loved his family. Together with his beloved wife, Jeannine, he travelled the world and made many friends along the way. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and took every opportunity to encourage them to follow their dreams and achieve their full potential.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert’s memory can be made to the St. Amant Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
