With heavy hearts, the family of Jean-Yves Gervais announces his passing on April 13, 2026.
Jean-Yves was born in Normetal, Quebec on September 20, 1951. He was the oldest son of Yvette and Robert Gervais. Throughout his life, he enjoyed being a Big Brother to Nicole and Gerald. He never missed a birthday and always kept in touch.
In 1987, Jean-Yves moved to Thunder Bay. For 28 years, he worked as a transit driver for the City of Thunder Bay. Many of his coworkers became some of his closest friends over the years.
Jean-Yves took pride in being a Dad to Karine and Cathy. He loved sharing memories of camping at Provincial parks and their annual road trips to Montreal to see family. One particularly unforgettable journey was their trip to the West Coast where they camped along the way.
In June 2000, Jean-Yves agreed to go on a blind date. This led to a beautiful love story with Mary Jane Scott that lasted for 26 years. They got married in 2003 and created a wonderful life together. He also embraced being a step-Dad to Jillian and played the father-in-law role for Drew. But when the grandkids arrived! Being a Grandparent brought immense joy to Jean-Yves! He was known as Grandpapa to Henry and Owen and Papa to Olivia and Carter. His face lit up around them – whether in person or during video calls!
Jean-Yves had many interests throughout his life and truly represented what retirement looked like! The outdoors was where he felt happiest. His hobbies included hiking, hunting, camping, skiing, biking, and fishing. He loved spending time in his backyard, maintaining an impressive lawn and garden that he took pride in. An avid motorcyclist, he explored countless backroads around Thunder Bay with Mary Jane by his side. He eagerly joined longer rides with his group called “Wild Hogs,” traveling many routes around Lake Superior and even making two trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. For many years, Jean-Yves participated in the Motorcycle Ride for Dads which helped keep him at 500 Club status while raising money for Northern Cancer Research. Additionally, he was part of the Carving Club where he crafted whimsical cottages and walking sticks. Travel was always something he enjoyed; he went on numerous trips across North America as well as ventures into the Caribbean. In more recent times, he and Mary Jane expanded their travels by going on a Mediterranean Cruise followed by trips to Portugal, Greece, Thailand, and Eastern Europe. In recent years they also enjoyed playing pool together while having some friendly competition between them as they improved their skills. Jean-Yves volunteered as a driver for Canadian Red Cross.
The family would like to thank everyone in the medical field who supported him during his final months-especially Nurse Practitioner Erin Slowak-and express appreciation for everyone at the Cancer Clinic along with those from Palliative Care Team who were so kind throughout this journey including Drs Simpson and Ward. They’d also like recognize all staff members at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre especially within Diagnostics , Emergency Department , and those directly involved with caring for him in room 220A.
Jean-Yves is survived by his wife Mary Jane Scott; daughters Karine Gervais (Kevin) & Cathy Jones (Phillip); sister Nicole Gervais (Armand); step-daughter Jillian Childs (Drew); grandchildren Henry , Owen , Olivia & Carter; plus other extended family members. He is preceded by parents Yvette & Robert Gervais along with brother Gerald.
Ride on Jean-Yves! Breathe Easy!
Be Free! We will love you Forever!
A Celebration of Life will be held at Current River Community Centre starting at 11:00 am on May 29 ,2026.
In memory of Jean-Yves please consider donating either towards Northern Cancer Fund or any charity close your heart.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
