Remembering Gilles Plante: A Life Well-Lived in River John, Nova Scotia
In the serene landscapes of River John, Nova Scotia, a community bids farewell to a remarkable soul. Gilles Plante, a former CBC journalist, passed away peacefully at his home on March 2, 2024, surrounded by love and the beauty of the place he called home. This article is a tribute to Gilles Plante, a man who, despite facing the challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s, found joy and purpose in his rural haven.
Gilles Plante’s Journey:
Gilles Plante’s life took a poignant turn when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 60 in 2017. Instead of succumbing to the negativity often associated with such diagnoses, Gilles and his wife, acclaimed author Sheree Fitch, embarked on a journey together. Fitch, known for her beloved children’s books, including Mabel Murple and Sleeping Dragons All Around, emphasized the importance of finding joy in the face of adversity.
Building Dreams in River John:
Before the onset of Alzheimer’s, Gilles Plante had retired at the age of 53 after a fulfilling career as a CBC journalist. In 2011, the couple moved to River John, a picturesque fishing village in rural Nova Scotia, where they transformed an old property into a working hobby farm named the Happy Doodle Do. This endeavor became a testament to their resilience and commitment to embracing life’s joys.
A Creative Oasis:
Gilles Plante’s passion for woodworking found expression in a shop on their hobby farm, where he crafted and mended for the Happy Doodle Do. Amid the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s, he turned an old granary into a whimsical bookshop, reflecting the fantastical colors of Fitch’s writing. The shop opens for a few weeks in the summer, offering a magical escape for locals and visitors alike.
Facing Alzheimer’s with Grace:
Despite doctors’ initial prognosis of five more good years at most, Gilles Plante defied expectations. Speaking with The Current’s Matt Galloway, he expressed gratitude for the life he continued to lead, surrounded by the animals and tasks that filled each day with purpose. The couple’s commitment to the Happy Doodle Do and their rural haven exemplifies the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
In loving memory of Gilles Plante, River John, Nova Scotia, mourns the passing of a man who embraced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. His legacy lives on through the Happy Doodle Do, a testament to the joy and purpose he found in crafting a life filled with creativity, love, and determination. As we remember Gilles Plante, may his story inspire others to find beauty and meaning in every moment, even in the face of life’s most formidable trials.
