It is with incredibly heavy hearts that the family of Jean-Yves Gervais share the news of his passing on April 13, 2026.
Jean-Yves was born in Normetal, Quebec on September 20, 1951. He was the eldest son of Yvette and Robert Gervais. He loved being Big Brother to Nicole and Gerald throughout his life. He never missed a birthday and always kept in touch.
In 1987 Jean-Yves relocated to Thunder Bay. For 28 years he was employed as a transit driver for the City of Thunder Bay. Many of his colleagues would become his closest lifetime friends.
Jean-Yves was a proud Dad to Karine and Cathy. He shared fond memories of tenting at Provincial parks and yearly road trips to Montreal to visit family. A particularly memorable adventure was a trek to the West Coast where they tented along the way.
In June 2000 Jean-Yves consented to a blind date. This meeting would ease into a 26 year love story with Mary Jane Scott. They were married in 2003 and built a beautiful life together. He was a wonderful step-Dad to Jillian and father-in-law figure to Drew. Oh but when the Grandbabies came! Being a Grandparent was the ultimate joy to Jean-Yves! He was Grandpapa to Henry and Owen and Papa to Olivia and Carter. He absolutely beamed in their presence – whether in person or via video call!
Jean-Yves had many interests through his life and was the absolute poster boy for retirement! Anywhere in the outdoors was his happiest place. His pass times included hiking, hunting, camping, skiing, pedal biking, and fishing. He reveled in simply spending time in his backyard. He kept a meticulous lawn and garden and was proud of his domain. He was an avid motorcyclist. Jean-Yves and Mary Jane spent countless hours exploring the backroads in Thunder Bay. He was always keen to join in longer runs with his group of “Wild Hogs”. They travelled many routes around Lake Superior and twice ventured to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. For many years Jean-Yves and Mary Jane participated in the Motorcycle Ride for Dads. They kept him at 500 Club status; raising funds for Northern Cancer Research. Jean-Yves was a member of the Carving Club. His favourite crafts were whimsical cottages and walking sticks. Travelling was always a passion. There were many trips within North America and the Caribbean. In more recent years he and Mary Jane expanded their horizons venturing to Europe on a Mediterranean Cruise, then trips to Portugal, Greece, Thailand and Eastern Europe. In the last few years Jean-Yves and Mary Jane enjoyed a pool league. They had a friendly rivalry with each other while honing their skills. Jean-Yves volunteered as a driver for the Canadian Red Cross.
Jean-Yves’s family would like to extend their appreciation to many in the medical field who supported him through the last few months. A huge thank you is extended to Nurse Practitioner Erin Slowak. We so appreciate the care of the Cancer Clinic and being embraced by the Palliative Care Team. We would especially like to acknowledge Dr. Simpson and Dr. Ward. We would also like to note the care, compassion and professionalism of the staff throughout the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre including Diagnostics, the Emergency Department and those who were pivotal to his care in room 220A.
Jean-Yves is survived by his wife Mary Jane Scott, his daughters Karine Gervais (Kevin) and Cathy Jones (Phillip), his sister Nicole Gervais (Armand), his step-daughter Jillian Childs (Drew) and his grandchildren Henry, Owen, Olivia and Carter and other extended family. He is predeceased by his parents Yvette and Robert Gervais and his brother Gerald.
Ride on Jean-Yves! Breathe Easy!
Be Free! We will love you Forever!
A Celebration of Life is to take place at Current River Community Centre at 11:00 am on May 29, 2026.
In memory of Jean-Yves please consider a donation to the Northern Cancer Fund or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
