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
Dave Voisey
Jean & John Hamilton
Dear Olive and family: Our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Gus was an exceptional man and will be missed by so many. I for one will miss his brilliant smile and his giant hugs, lifting me off the ground , whenever we met at Lions functions. It was an honour to have known and served with him in Lionism. Hugs to all.
James Johnston
To Olive and family. It was an honor and a privilege to have known Gus for almost 25 years as a friend, a Lion, and a mentor. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dwight Brown
Thank you Gus for your service to our country and community.
Carol Anne Marleau
It was an honour to know you Gus. RIP.
Adule
Rest in eternal peace Papa Gus🙏🏾🙏🏾
Gus is my longest and dearest friend enjoying many good times together over the past 47 years. I miss him dearly.