Gaston Charest was born on August 10, 1923 in Kedgwick, NB. At age 4, he moved with his parents, Benjamin Charest and Cora Gagne, to Girouxville AB. He attended Pelletier School, and in 1941, at age 18, he enlisted with the army and was posted overseas. When he was discharged in 1946, Gaston bought a quarter section of land, SE 13-77-22-5, and he also worked at lumber camps. He married a girl he went to school with, Noella Giroux (daughter of Roland Giroux and Aline Guindon), on November 7, 1951 in Falher AB. They lived on their quarter for many years, and had 6 children: Doris, Michel, Daniel, Carol, Viviane, and Lise. In 1962, the Charests started raising beef cattle and stopped working at the lumber camps. In later years, Gaston helped the boys with farming, and enjoyed woodworking.
Source:
Reflexions p. 417