Skip to content

Long-time Quesnel resident, Philippe Gamache will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends. Philippe was a kind, dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur who persevered in establishing a successful logging business.

Philippe was born and raised in Bonnyville, Alberta, in a family of nine. In 1944, Philippe married Rosa Laplante from Cold Lake. They were both from French Canadian pioneer families that migrated from Quebec to Alberta. Philippe and Rosa enjoyed raising their eight children on their farm in Fort Kent.

Although Philippe remained a farmer at heart, it became financially necessary for him to venture into horse logging in Hinton in 1958, and eventually was able to purchase a skidder. In 1967, the family moved to B.C. where Philippe partnered with Rosa, Léonard and Réal in developing the family business of Phil Gamache & Sons Logging.

Throughout the many challenges of self-employment, Philippe lead by example with his relentless work ethic, his courage to take risks, and his collaborative nature.

In his retirement, Philippe was blessed to reap the rewards of his labour. He and his wife of 71 years, Rosa, enjoyed traveling and being Snow Birds in Yuma, Arizona for 20 years, returning to Quesnel for Spring and Summer. Philippe was easy-going and loved to socialize, play golf and bridge, dance, and was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Philippe’s farming roots remained evident into his retirement, cultivating his own garden, working on his Ag. Lease at Chubb Lake and helping Léonard hay on his ranch.

Sadly, joyful years were interrupted when Philippe experienced a serious stroke eight years ago. However, Philippe was fortunate, through the loyal care of Rosa and son, Ernest, to remain in his Quesnel home alongside the Fraser River. They enjoyed spending their time with their large family and friends in both Quesnel and Alberta.

Philippe is lovingly remembered by his wife, Rosa; his eight children, Léonard (Sue), Laurent (Terry), Réal (Terese), Armand (Valarie), Léa (Ken) (deceased) Ernest, Annette, Carmen (Veikko), as well as 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

The family is sincerely grateful for the personal care and compassion Philippe and family received from Dr. Pieter Slabbert, Nursing Staff of the 3rd floor at GR Baker, Dr. Aziz, Longterm Homecare Nurses, Tammy Buchan and the Dunrovin Staff at the Day Centre.

The family appreciates the kindness, love and support from family and friends. They also thank Father Peter Nguyen, the Knights of Columbus, the CWL, St. Ann’s Parish and Clayton’s Funeral Chapel for their thoughtful and caring assistance with Philippe’s Celebration of Life Service.




It is with great sadness that the family of

Philippe Gamache

announces his passing on February 17th.


A Prayer Service will be held on Friday,

February 26th at 7:00 pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.


Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 am at

St. Ann’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at the Quesnel Cemetery.


A Reception luncheon will follow at St. Ann’s Hall.


Rosa and Family appreciate all of your continued

support during this difficult time.