Obituary of Gerard Ducasse

Dr. Gérard DUCASSE July 17, 1935 – March 17, 2017 With love and great sorrow, the family of Dr. Gérard Emmanuel Clément Ducasse announces his passing in Saskatoon on March 17 at the age of 81. Gérard was married to Marie Hilda Ducasse (née Cerclay), who predeceased him in 2014. Gérard’s parents were Lydie (née Collard) and Émilien Ducasse. He was predeceased by his sister Denise, and his brother who passed away in early childhood. Gérard will be lovingly remembered by his children Charles, Jean-Pierre (Andrea) and Michèle; and grandchildren Oleksa, Michael-Gérard, Tristan, and Gabriel. Gérard is survived by his sister Maud Noyau, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends. Gérard was born in Port-Louis, Mauritius, and still had family living there. He studied diligently and excelled in the classical languages. Gérard spoke ancient Greek and Latin fluently. He won the Commonwealth Scholarship for Mauritius which allowed him to study Medicine at University College in Dublin. In 1962, he earned his medical degree M.B.- B.Ch.- B.A.O. from the National University of Ireland. Additional qualifications included ECG, D.C.H. Ireland, M.R.C.P. (I), and C.R.C.P. (C). Gérard completed his fellowship in pediatrics in 1965. He and Hilda married the same year, and in 1969, they immigrated to Canada. They settled in North Battleford and resided there until 1981 when they moved to Saskatoon. A talented and devoted pediatrician, Dr. Ducasse took care of many children across the province, working in all three hospitals in Saskatoon, and maintained a busy private practice. Gérard was passionate about art. He was a member of the Prairie Sculptor’s Association, and a founding member of both L’Association des Artistes de la Saskatchewan and the Humanum Art Gallery. He was a prolific and accomplished sculptor and painter. When Gérard retired from pediatrics, the Royal University Hospital Department of Pediatrics named their art gallery after him, and he considered this a great honor. Gérard was also a poet and author, and wrote three novels and numerous short stories. His book of poety Clairs – Obscurs was shortlisted for a Saskatchewan Book Award in 2002. Gérard helped and supported his wife and children through all of their educational, vocational, and charitable pursuits. He loved taking the family on vacations back home to Mauritius, and also to France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the United States. He loved telling stories about his past adventures to his grandchildren, and talking to them about music, art, and science. He was so proud of his family and friends, and they in turn loved his wit and charm. We thank the staff at Royal University Hospital and Parkville Manor for their kind and competent care of Gérard.