Book of Memories for Gerard Aime Chataigneau

Condolence From Cathy Miller

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:22:24 EDT

“Through letters and cards, families will be able to hold that friendship in their hands and to read those kind words at a time and place that supports their pace of healing.” I got this condolence message from a friend and it really helps me to go through life. I hope this can also help you. Live life to the fullest in spite of having great pains in your heart. Cathy, Obituarieshelp.org

Condolence From The Moirs

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:59:57 EST

Gerard, thank you for allowing us to see the beauty of figure skating through your lens. Your passion for our sport was truly inspiring and your legacy will live on through your beautiful photos and for that we are forever grateful. Our hearts are with your family during this difficult time.

Condolence From Brian Dole

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:48:21 EST

Gerard was a fixture at every major skating event that I ever attended. I met him when I was just beginning to photgraph skating and I knew I had met someone who was so very much respected in the skating photography world. I became honored to call him a friend. He always went about his work taking such beautiful and wonderfully composed photos in a quiet and distinguished manner. Always respectful of others, he was very often called on for advice and help. I hope he knew how thankful those of us were who called on him. A very special memory of mine is when he told my mother how impressed he was with my photos and that I had learned a lot. To hear something like this from Gerard still brings a smile to my face. Gerard était le roi de la photographie! Merci pour tout, Gerard. Mes condoléances à la famille. He will be missed tremendously.

Condolence From Kimberley Stickel

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:26:59 EST

My heart is heavy with the news of Gerard's sudden passing. He always had a warm smile each time we saw each other at skating events and other venues where we would take photos. Gerard was a gentle soul who had a generous heart and who offered sage advice. I have great respect and admiration for Gerard, his passion for skating and his eye for beauty captured in his photography. He enjoyed the challenge of the "hunt" for the perfect shot, his quest for excellence. I am honoured to have known him and my life is richer for it. His memory will live on through his amazing & incredible photographs. My sincere sympathies & condolences to Gerard's family. He is missed.

Condolence From Barbara Gale, St Eustache Qc.

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:28:38 EST

Dear Doreen I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Gerard. My Deepest Sympathy Doreen. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Condolence From Ted Barton

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:12:32 EST

The news of the passing of Gerard was indeed shocking and comes with a great feeling of loss. Gerard's amazing photographs were only matched by his kindness and caring way in which he contributed to the skating world. On behalf of Skate Canada BC/YT Section we send our sincere condolences to his family. He will be dearly missed!

Condolence From Heather Whitney

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 13:01:22 EST

Gerard with camera in hand has been almost a fixture at figure skating events for many years. His photography particularly as published in the Figure Skating Calendar was in a class by itself. His generosity and kindness will by sadly missed by friends and acquaintances. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Condolence From Russell A Collins, UK

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 09:03:21 EST

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gerard's passing, being in the skating circles myself since 1988. I have always enjoyed Gerard's skating photography through many books and publications, he was so gifted in his art and I will miss those special photographs, condolences to family and friends, God Bless!, your photography will live on!!

Condolence From Kathy Jenkins

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:22:22 EST

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of Gerard. I have bought his figure skating calendar for about 20 years and have enjoyed his photographs so much. I've kept every single one of his calendars. I feel like an old friend is gone even though I didn't know him personally. I know he touched so many people with his skill and so many of us brought his calendars to skating events to get autographs. In many ways he provided a history of the sport for us all. God bless you.

Condolence From CAROL & JON LANE

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:24:27 EST

YOU MADE THE SKATING WORLD A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WITH YOUR TIMELESS PHOTOS,AND YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED.

Story shared: Mt friend

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:12:40 EST

Most of us will only remember Gerard for the calendar but I also remember the man who back when I was 13 and at Spring Skating school was such a wonderful skater and made me think of Toller Cranston. He came on the same dance sessions and actually asked me out of all the kids to do the 10-fox with him. Once I became 16 and old enough to join the University Skating Clubs adult dance session he then became my friend. A piece of trivia most people don't know is his first Calendar was 1987 the year World's was going to be in Cincinatti...Gerard had remembered a picture my Mom had taken during the 1985 Oxford Ohio Dance weekend when the dinner dance was on a Riverboat and mom had taken some sunset pictures of the Cincinatti waterfront, including the Arena World`s was in...this picture was on the bottom of the front cover of the calendar. I will always remember his kindness

Story shared: GERARD AIME...so appropriately named AIME

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 21:05:52 EST

The name AIME is so appropriate dear friend.... BELOVED in so many ways. You are loved and remembered for your kind, courteous, gentle, caring and loving manner. Your legacy is not only the love of your beloved Doreen, family and friends, but includes many of the skating world who so admire your photographic genius as you so accurately captured skaters with the magic of your lenses. While you and Doreen were in Windsor we actually purchased once more 'The Figure Skating Calendar' which will brighten each day of the coming year. Although now it will poignantly remind us of a friend who left us all too soon. You will be missed and remembered. I recall the day 25 years ago when I drove you down to Cincinnati Ohio for the World's Competition in 1987 and dropped you off at 'the photographers' hotel' across the river so you could join the press in capturing exciting photos of that memorable world's event. I continued on to join my daughter Bobbi and the members of the Cincinnati Figure Skating Club, assisting them in the running of the event. After that trip you spent countless hours working diligently on the first edition of 'The Figure Skating Calendar'. A venture that captured your attention for a quarter of a century. The previous fall my daughter and I drove down to Oxford Ohio for an adult ice dance weekend and the Saturday evening dinner dance was held on the ferry boat where Jennifer from 'WKRP In Cinncinati' would go to eat lunch. We partied along with a group of adult ice dancers from the Cincinnati Skating Club, the group organizing and running Worlds 87. I took a random shot of the sunset with Cincinnati in the background. You recognized it as a shot of the arena where World's was being held, asked my permission and published it across the bottom of the front page of your first calendar. I thank you for that Gerard. I was thrilled one day to see the front calendar page in a skating themed film I was watching. For many years we were all part of the large group of adult ice dancers at Toronto's University Skating Club. Your son Phillip danced along with us. I believe you first met Doreen on the ice and we watched the love between you grow, resulting in marriage and your sharing a wonderful life together. My heart goes out to Doreen who will miss your love, protection and adoration. We thankfully met Doreen in Windsor, giving us a brief opportunity to chat before rushing off as skaters were warming up on the ice. Sadly I didn't see you that weekend and so missed my Gerard hug. The world was certainly a more beautiful place as seen through your talented eyes Gerard. You will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace Beloved Gerard. love and thanks for always caring pat

Condolence From Emanuel Sandhu

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:25:10 EST

Pictures are worth a thousand words but there was only one Gerard! Thank you for your passion and spirit all these years and for capturing our passion and spirit in your photographs. The sport of figure skating will miss you and so will I. Emanuel

Condolence From Bill Boland

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:10:39 EST

Gerard's passing was indeed a shock and, while a huge loss for figure skating, an even bigger loss for his family. My sincere condolences to all the family. My first memory of Gerard was when I was the Western Ontario Section Chair in 1997. His love for our sport and enthusiasm for his truly artistic work to be viewed and enjoyed internationally thru his annual calendar are indeed memories of Gerard I will always hold dear. Just three weeks ago, at Skate Canada International in Windsor, he was still practising his craft in his very quiet, dedicated and efficent manner. I, along with all of his many past and current friends and skaters in the Western Ontario Section, and at Skate Canada, will deeply miss Gerard and his craft.

Condolence From Barb MacDonald

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:08:37 EST

There are so many words that we could use to describe Gerard. He was passionate, professional, and a perfectionist. He was also caring, gentle and so kind. But most of all he treated his craft of photography as a calling. And he shared his love of skating with us through exquisite photographs, with the true eye of an artist. He leaves a huge hole in all of hearts, and he shall be missed dearly.

Condolence From Steve Milton

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:45:25 EST

I am so sad today. As co-authors (he the photos, I the words, and he the better) of four books together, Gerard and I came to know each other very well....all through figure skating. He was generous in his time with me, and always looking to give me tips about what he saw through the privacy of his lens that I could use in my writing. We shared the same living complex in Lillihammer, and a love of the sport that spanned our adult lives. I cannot believe that in the year of Ontario in figure skating, we won't see Gerard at Nationals in Mississauga or Worlds in London. An Ontario resident, this was HIS year in skating. Well, every year was his year in skating. He was an integral part of our world, which will not be the same without him.

Condolence From Mira Leung

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:58:26 EST

Gerard was one of the most thoughtful and kindhearted people I have had the honour of knowing. I remember running into him at many major events, and he always had the best things to say, whether it was to wish me luck, or just to tell me that he believed in me. I will never forget his warmth and sincerity. He always wanted the best for each of us skaters, and his passion for skating helped elevate our sport to where it is today. Our skating family will not be the same without Gerard, and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Gerard's family.

Condolence From Barb McCutcheon

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:44:50 EST

Occasionally you meet someone who demonstrates true commitment and passion for their art. A person who has a skill that is clearly above the others but still retains an approachable demeanor. Gerard was one of those people. As a fellow figure skating photographer, Gerard was always there to give me advice and to encourage me. I always think of him every time I shoot birds in flight remembering how he once told me that this was how he practised focusing as a young photographer. He was a true artist and a gentleman. He will be so missed. My heart goes out to his family at this sad time. – Barb McCutcheon

Condolence From Jeff Buttle

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:50:01 EST

My condolences go out to Gerard's family. I'd like to thank Gerard, himself, for sharing his gift with all of us. It is a pleasure to have known him, and spend time with him over the years at skating events.

Condolence From Annette Markvoort

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:13:10 EST

Gerard was generous with his time and talent, passionate about his craft and immensely creative with his camera. He could capture the beauty in every pose but more importantly was committed to engaging the spirit and life of each skater. I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with him on "his" calendar for a number of years. He supplied simply....stunning images. How wonderful for all of us to have a legacy of photos by which to remember him. You will be missed my friend. Wishing your family strength and balance in the days to come. Annette Markvoort

Condolence From Marc Evon

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:09:18 EST

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Gerard had passed away. I had just seen him recently at Skate Canada in Windsor where he was working so hard as always. His passion for skating and photography was unparalleled. He was the consummate professional, gentleman and perfectionist. It was always apparent that he truly loved what he was doing and he inspired us all to be better. His absence will be felt in the pressroom and at the rink, by all of us who knew him.

Story shared: Gilles Family

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:03:27 EST

Gerard took such wonderful pictures of my 3 skaters. My condolences to the family and friends of Gerard. Figure skating will really miss him. He was also so kind and generous. Gone too soon.

Condolence From Elizabeth Taylor

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:50:43 EST

I was shocked to learn today of Gerard's sudden death. His skating photography rightfully earned plaudits from other photographers as well as from the skaters. His kindness and love of the sport of figure skating shone through when you met him. His photographs in the Figure Skating Calendar were just one example of his talent. My thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time but also with his many friends and colleagues who also feel this loss. We are all blessed to have a permanent reminder of his talent and love for the sport through his photographs.

Condolence From Daphne Backman

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:21:02 EST

Gerard was a special person who mentored so many new photographers, although he may not have realized it. His photography set the level to aspire to. He was a true artist and a wonderful human being who will be greatly missed. Sincerely condolences to his family and friends through this difficult time.

Condolence From Beverley Smith

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:08:17 EST

I am so shocked to hear of Gerard's passing. It is incomprehensible to me that he will no longer be at figure skating events. I have known Gerard as long as I have been covering figure skating and that is a very very long time. He was always the first to show up in the room, and was always kind and friendly and helpful. Many of his photos are in my figure skating books. And they were there because he was such an artist. The photos were all perfectly exposed, perfectly posed and just perfect. It will take me some time to get my head around this.

Condolence From Susan D. Russell

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:02:26 EST

Gerard was not only a close friend but my mentor in so many ways. I am sure he lost count of the number of times I turned to him when I had a camera issue. But he was always there for me, and always there with the most fabulous sense of humour. I loved him very dearly as a friend. I will miss him more than I can say.

Condolence From Emma Bowie

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:10:38 EST

Gerard you were always such a gentleman and it was a pleasure to have gotten to know you over the years. Your presence will be sorely missed at Skate Canada events but your wonderful outlook on life and love of figure skating will live through your elegant photos. My thoughts go out to your wife and the rest of your loved ones.

Condolence From Melanie Hoyt

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:06:26 EST

When I was just getting started as a photographer, I was awestruck each time I found myself sitting near Gerard. And even though I was the new girl and felt out of place, Gerard always offered me the same courtesy that he extended to his colleagues that he knew well. At my first major event as an accredited photographer, I climbed over a couple of rows during a practice session, so I wouldn't disturb Gerard's work. He stopped and turned around to tell me that he would have moved. I couldn't believe that a photographer that I admired so much was speaking to me. I will really miss seeing him at events, moving around during practice sessions, always seeking the right angle.

Condolence From Brenda Gorman

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:02:58 EST

Gerard was so passionate about skating and getting the perfect photos of the skaters. The figure skating calendar was a work of art and Gerard was truly an artist. I had the privilege of working with Gerard for two decades and his passion never waivered. He will be missed by the figure skating community and all his friends and colleagues.

Condolence From Yuki Saegusa

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:57:50 EST

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Gerard. He was such a talented photographer and was one of the best. He captured the most beautiful poses in every skater. Most importantly, he was so kind and I will never forget his thoughtfulness over the years that I have known him. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Condolence From Klaus-Reinhold Kany

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:15:53 EST

I am so sad that Gerard suddenly died. Last Sunday, he still sent me an e-mail. He said he had not received yet this letter of invitation from Russia which he needed to get a visa for the Grand Prix Final in Sochi. So he still was full of plans for the future. I have two of his books with his photos from skating at home and like to watch them regularly. I am sure many people from the skating family will remember him forever for his excellent photos and for his polite and well-educated behavior.

Condolence From Akiko Tamura

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:01:46 EST

I can't even put in words how shocked I am of his loss. He was always kind to people, and deeply cared about sport and skaters. He was an amazine photographer and his work will be admired always. We will miss you very much, Gerard.

Condolence From Tatjana Flade

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:59:05 EST

I am very saddened about Gérard's passing. I have known him for many years. He was a dedicated photographer and his love for the sport of figure skating was so evident. But more than that, he was such a nice man, a true gentleman. It is hard to imagine that he won't be there with us anymore. Gérard will be missed. Figure Skating has lost a wonderful friend.

Condolence From Craig Buntin

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:57:56 EST

If there is one clear memory that I have of Gerard, it is of the pride that shone through his eyes when he spoke about his photography. He was a kind soul with a passion for his work that was both contagious and inspiring. I wish his family all the love and support in the world through this difficult time.

Condolence From Joanne Mcleod

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 02:38:56 EST

His being will be missed but his pictures will live forever. The Gerard passion and visual talent through the lens will never be forgotten God Bless

Story shared: Goodbye My Friend

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 02:36:35 EST

I just want to say goodbye to a wonderful and dear friend who was so caring about our skaters and our sport. He was a fantastic artist and photographer. Sending my condolences to Doreen and to his family. He will be greatly missed. You will not be forgotten Gerard....you touched my life in such a remarkable way. Thank you for being you... RIP!

Condolence From Michelle Wojdyla

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:17:30 EST

No matter how early I would arrive at a practice session, he'd already be there. Truly an inspirational man. We had many conversations of the years--maybe half of which we understood each other. :) His death is a loss for photography, for skating, and for all those who were touched by his true passion for his work. My heart breaks for his family.

Condolence From Anabelle Langlois & Cody Hay

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:33:24 EST

We were so sad to hear the news and were immediately flooded with great memories of Gérard. He was such a friendly face at competitions, always so respectful of our space during our events and happy to catch up after. He had an incredible eye for capturing emotions and beautiful lines that made his calendars every skating fans prized possession. Anabelle & Cody

Story shared: Simply the best

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:07:35 EST

Someone who cared deeply about every image he had published, a true artist, a passionate man in everything he did. My deepest sympathy to his wife Doreen. The Skating World has lost one of it's greatest fans. Rest in peace my friend.

Condolence From Pj Kwong

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:16:47 EST

I am so sorry to hear that the skating family has lost such a dear friend. I even go so far back as to remember Gerard as an adult ice dancer when I first started coaching. He was well known for his amazing ability to capture the sport we all love through the lens of his camera but will be better remembered for his warmth and friendship. Adieu mon ami. Pj

Condolence From Diane Nielsen

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:37:57 EST

My sincere sympathy in the loss of Gererd. I have known him for many years and always chatted with him at competitions. He was always very generous in sharing his skating photos with us all. I especially remember his excitement at all of the calendars we were able to sell at the World Championships in Vancouver. His love for his family shone in his eyes as he spoke of you. Sincerely Diane Nielsen BC

Condolence From Jeannie Senft

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:33:16 EST

I am so soooo saddened at the loss of Gerard. We recently connected at Skate America where once again and as always his passion for figure skating was shining through his work and his being. He just loved figure skating and the athletes within it! I am honoured to have co-authored with Gerard his last book. He was very proud of it. His contribution was huge. It was a joy to work with him. I will miss him enormously.

Condolence From Stephan Potopnyk

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:19:42 EST

I am truly saddened at the news of Gerard's passing. He was an inspiration to me both as a photographer as well as a gentle and kind soul. His passion for figure skating and capturing it through photography was ever present at events and his images showed what skating meant to him. I will truly miss him.

Condolence From Paul Chiasson

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:14:30 EST

The loss of Gerard comes as a real shock to me. We last chatted in Windsor a few weeks ago as we always did over the years of covering figure skating in whatever town or country. He was very talented and worked hard at always capturing the right moment. Above all he was a true gentleman and will be missed. Paul

Condolence From Scott Grant

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 21:40:10 EST

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend Gerard, he was always one of the guys I looked forward to seeing at the skating events we covered over the years. Not only was he an amazing photographer, a perfectionist in every way, he was always there to help point us in the right direction. A gentle person, with a wonderful passion. He will always be in my thoughts. Scott

Condolence From Skate Canada

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:41:27 EST

Gerard brought passion and artistry to his figure skating photography. He was such a gentle soul, and a true gentleman who cared deeply about the sport, the skaters, and capturing them in beautiful photographs. He was treasured by us all, and we shall miss him deeply. Our sincere condolences to Doreen, his family and many friends.