TYTGAT,GUSTAVE MARCEL
Passed peacefully into God’s hands at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 10th with some of his close friends by his side. Gus is survived by his sister Joan (Joe) Mitosinka of Lorette, MB and brother Leonard (Evelyn) of St. Vital, MB.
Gus was born on June 7, 1929 in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Edward and Julia Tytgat. Gus was the second of 7 siblings. He grew up in St. Boniface, MB until the age of 16 when he moved to Vancouver, BC. He loved the west coast weather and never moved back to Manitoba but returned to visit family for significant birthdays and events and they also came to Vancouver to see him.
Gus was a shoe-shiner in Vancouver known for his great service at the corner of Granville and Robson and did that until he retired in his early 60’s to Abbotsford, BC. Here he was involved in a 12-step program where he made some dearly loved friends. Retiring for Gus meant riding 30-40 km. a day on his bicycle collecting bottles to supplement his income. This brought him much joy and also was how God enlarged his community of friends which all loved and enjoyed him. After attending at least 3 full cycles of the church program “Alpha” (no doubt he loved the dinners which were provided), in his own words Gus said, “I couldn’t resist the love of God any longer and I had to give my life to Him.”
Gus was known as someone always looking to help out a friend, he loved to laugh and had a twinkle in his eye and knew how to work hard. Health issues forced Gus to stop riding his bike when he was in his early 80’s and this adjustment was very tough on him. He longed to be with Jesus and now he has his heart’s desire.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 12th at 10:00 am at South Abbotsford Church in the gym, 32424 Huntingdon Road. Gus was predeceased by his parents, his sister Marie Letkeman, his brothers Victor and Bob and adopted sister Yvonne.
The family would like to thank those who were by Gus’ side during his last difficult days and the nursing staff at the Menno Home Terrace East and ICU at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.