MAJ GILBERT J. LaFONTAINE To TAPS

GILBERT JACQUES. LAFONTAINE
Deerfield Plantation, Surfside Beach
Gilbert J. LaFontaine of 1785 Gibson Avenue , died peacefully on December 26 at the Tidelands Hospice. He was born on April 18 1918 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and was the husband of the late Jeannine LaFontaine and son of the late Albert and Lillian Lafontaine. He is survived by his dear companion Louise Rivest, one brother (Gerry) and two sisters (H Riopel-Lafontaine and Estelle) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A graduate of the University of Montreal, he joined the Canadian army in May 1942 and served until February 1967. During WWII, he was on loan to the British army and received a distinguished service award from the King of England. He served in England, France, Belgium, Indo-China and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. During his career in the army, he was assigned as Officer in Charge of Labor Units, Secretary to the Officers' Mess, and Controller for the International Commission. His latest assignment was at the Canadian Embassy in Washington where he was accredited to the Pentagon with an honourable release from the Canadian army as a Major General. Upon completion of his military service, he worked as the Controller of the George Washington University for four years and in 1970 he was appointed Deputy Director of Finance for the County of Fairfax Virginia until his retirement in 1986. Gilbert was a former member of the National Society of Public Accountants of Virginia and a member of the Municipal Finance Officers Association. He was a former honorary member of the Myrtle Beach AFB for his long history of supporting the United States department of defense missions from Vietnam to the Pentagon. He was also a member of the VFW post 10420 and the Moose Lodge #2351. Gilbert was an avid tennis player and a golfer with four Holes in one under his hat. Gilbert was a volunteer tax adviser for VITA , volunteered at the library and a devoted volunteer for mobile meals for Helping Hands. He lived life to its fullest and life has been good to him. In return, he is donating his body to the MUSC for research and possibly for future advancement in the medical field so others can benefit. Many thanks for the exceptional care from the Grand Strand Medical Team and the support and care from Agape and Tidelands Hospices. He was a perfectionist with a generous heart and will be missed by all