14 février 2022
Robert Leo “Buck” Breton, May 12, 1938 – Feb. 14, 2022
Buck slipped away gently and peacefully, with his wife Vicki’s arms around him, at the Hull Hospital, of complications from congestive heart failure.
He was the eldest son of the late Aurel Breton and the late Noella Labelle.
Buck was predeceased by Claire Westbrook, first beloved wife and mother of his children, by his brothers Roland (late Gail) and Bert Labelle (late Nicole) as well as his sisters Jeannine, Denise (Eldon Lacharity) and Pierrette (Mark Lacroix).
Buck is survived by his deeply loved wife Vicki Bosse, his sisters Pauline and Helene as well as his brothers Gerard (Robin), Richard (Nicole) and Guy (Louise).
He is also survived by his children Carol, Debra, Kelly and Robert (Sonya Gagnon), and step-daughter Laura Clarke-Giberson. Buck deeply loved and was so proud of his grandchildren: Max (Kaitlynn), Robert (Sheena Joly) Sam (Sierra), Piper and Rowan Giberson, and great-granddaughter Kendall Breton. He was loved by many nieces and nephews in the huge and warm Breton family.
For many years, Buck worked for Masonite Canada. He became a great troubleshooter and problem-solver and was sent to Halifax, Denver, and Mississippi to rescue mills that were in trouble. He was especially proud of his work to improve safety for workers in the mills.
Buck brought forward from his father a legacy of love and deep knowledge of the Gatineau Hills, especially the woods from Venosta to Kazabazua, Quebec. He roamed the hills and valleys with uncanny ease and was never lost. His prowess as a woodsman and deer hunter brought him great pride, he was dedicated to passing that knowledge and love to his children and grandchildren. He was proud of and grateful to his son Bob, who set up a website dedicated to deer and hunting: www.Bretonbucks.com. In his later years, Buck and Vicki derived joy from drawing deer and turkeys into their yard, to feed in safety. He had great respect for whitetail deer. Buck loved his girls as much as his boys, and attributed to them words like “tough”, “talented”, “smart” and “determined.” He taught them to love the woods and nature as much as he did, and he was so proud of them.
Buck was also a talented carver of burls and spalted wood, obtained from the forests around Venosta. He was very strong, and carved with a chainsaw, finishing with sanding and rubbing. Some of his pieces were displayed in Ottawa, ON, and Wakefield, QC, and were sold to tourists from Japan and Europe.
Buck and Vicki offer warm thanks to Dr. Mark Saul, in Wakefield, to the staff of the Wakefield Hospital Emergency Department, Hull Hospital Emergency and Intensive Care as well as the Home Care team from Low, Quebec, CLSC: reception, social services, physio, Dr. Legault, especially to nurse Sarah Noel, whose knowledge and professionalism was exceeded only by her humor, dedication, compassion, and respect.
As per Buck’s wishes, there will be no service. He wanted a celebration of his life, which will be announced at a later date, when Covid permits. Vicki will have a private “at home” reception for the immediate family, to be confirmed in the next two weeks. Those who wish to mark Buck’s passing are asked (in lieu of flowers) to donate to the Canadian Huntington’s Society: huntingtonsociety.ca/donate.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Buck Breton..
Death notice for the town of: Gatineau, Province: Quebec