Wilbrod Girard, born on October 28, 1919 in Stadacona, Quebec, was the 9th of 13 children of Joseph and Maville (Tremblay) Girard. In 1928, the entire family moved from Stadacona by train, to the Peace Country. They arrived at Falher on June 8, taking shelter with cousins, until a home was built on their homestead in Jean Cote. Since there were no schools there, Wilbrod and two brothers were educated by boarding at the convent in Grouard for a few years. At age 12, their father, Joseph, was in a fatal accident, but Maville continued to run the farm. Wilbrod worked several jobs to help his mother support his siblings. On June 5, 1941, Wilbrod enlisted in the Army, being sent overseas to the front line. He continued to send half of his pay cheque to his mother. In 1944, Maville remarried to Alcide Gagne. During his service, Wilbrod’s awards included the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defense Britain Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Services Medal and Clasp. After his discharge from the Army on December 6, 1945, he returned home. In 1946 Wilbrod filed for a homestead in Jean-Cote (N ½ -29-76-22-5). Working the land in the summers, he worked at lumber camps in the winters. He married Annette Remillard, daughter of Etienne and Irene Remillard of Girouxville, on October 28, 1953. Their first home together on the homestead was a granary. In 1957 they built a cottage on NE 29-79-22-5. They raised animals, grew grain, and had a garden. Another quarter of land (SE 28-79-22-5) was purchased in 1966, and they built a modern house with running water in 1967. By this time, Annette and Wilbrod had seven children: Irene, Cecile, Gisele, Jeannine, Gilbert, Gabrielle, and Loraine. Wilbrod worked for many years for the MD of Smoky River as a grader operator and foreman. Retiring in 1982, Wilbrod rented out his land, and he and Annette lived on their farm north of Girouxville. Wilbrod lived to age 95, passing away in December 1915, in McLennan.
Source: AGS Obituary Index
Reflexions (Girouxville Culp) p. 586-588 (Wilbrod’s family history); pp. 579-581 (Joseph and Maville family history); Photos p. 581 (mother and siblings), p. 588 (Wilbrod Girard family)