It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence “Gus” Este on August 7, 2023, at the age of 91 years. He passed away peacefully at Perley Health in Ottawa.
Much loved and devoted husband of Olive (Pinder) for 70 years. A wonderful and loving father to David, Debbie (Glen), Dwight (Ursula) and Denise (Edwin). Proud grandfather of Cynthia (Steve), Morgan, Laura, Dylan and great granddaughter Ziva. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Charles (Cynthia) and Raymond (Susan), sister Linda, sister-in-law Joyce, brother-in-law Clifford, and his nieces, nephews and longtime friends.
Predeceased by his daughter Dawn, parents Clarence and Lillian (Ashby), sisters Eunice, Thelma, Ruth, and brother Carold.
Gus was a veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1950-52. Following his discharge, he worked at the main post office in Montreal from 1953 to 1956, when he decided to re-enlist in the military. He then served for another 33 years until he retired in 1987.
He began his military service as a Private, rising to the rank of Master Warrant Officer before he commissioned from the ranks, directly as a Captain. During his third tour with the United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East he served as an acting Major (A/WSE). His military service also included a three-year tour with NATO in West Germany, six months with the UN in Cyprus, and three years aboard the HMCS Bonaventure as the fleet postal services sergeant. He also had several postings within Canada.
After retirement Gus volunteered with several organizations including the Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Korean Veterans Association and Knights of St. George. Gus received many accolades over the years, with two from the City of Ottawa being his most cherished. In 2013, a park in Barrhaven was named “Gus Este Park”, and in 2016 he was inducted into the Order of Ottawa.
Gus has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later time, following which his ashes will be interred in the National Military Cemetery of Canada.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Perley Health for their care and compassion.
Memorial donations may be made to the Barrhaven Lions Club, the Royal Canadian Legion (Barrhaven Branch 641), Knights of St. George (National Capital Region Command) or Perley Health.
Digital Guestbook
Denise Voetman Este
Meaghan
It was an honor getting to care for Gus as a student. My love and prayers are with the family
Ursula Este
It was a true honour to call Gus my father in-law. He will be dearly missed!
Cynthia Este
Rest in Peace my Dear Brother in Law. We will Love You, Always & Forever”. 🥲🙏🏽♥️🌹🥰
Jennifer Dunham
Gus, it was my honour to have met you at Barrhaven 641. You earned every accolade you got and I firmly believe that there should have been one more. So in my mind, I will always think of you as Gus Este VC.
Danno
Sure was great knowing Gus,..he Sure was good to me!!
Patrick Creppin and Leslie Ventura
We will miss Gus. He was a wonderful person. Our sincere condolences to Olive and the family.
Steve Bogue CD
Gus I’ll miss you my Veteran buddy. I always looked for you on Legion events, wave to you on our street and the occasional chat on your front patio. It was awesome you read my retirement that will always be in my heart. Rest easy my friend. It’s my turn to watch the street. ( joke amongst friends)
Kelly Ross
My deepest condolences to Olive and family, Gus will be missed, he was a lovely man
Kim Krueger
RIP
Rest in Peace Papa Gus. Much love ❤️ NN