A member of the Canadian Forces, Gilles is originally from Saguenay, QC but lives in Nova Scotia since the summer of 2001. His military career as an aviator on the CP 140 Aurora Long Range Patrol aircraft ensured a posting to CFB Greenwood in the Annapolis Valley. A former badminton player in his late teens, he was briefly introduced to squash in the early 90s but stopped playing for over 10 years until he met Patrick Dumont and another guy named Steve Ally in 2005. Some people in the Halifax squash community may still remember Steve as he was an active squash player in the Province. At the time, Steve was looking for squash players to represent the base at the annualmilitary regional competition. Recognizing that Gilles had a genuine interest in the sport and showed promising potential, Steve took him under his wing, coaching, practicing and playing relentlessly, routinely over 5 times a week with Gilles and other members of the Greenwood team. A true, lasting friendship ensued, Gilles and Steve leading the Atlantic Region to a National title in 2007. Following Steve’s posting to CFB Trenton in 2008, Gilles maintained Steve’s tradition of giving back, helping develop new players and coaching at CFB Greenwood. The Atlantic Region eventually repeated as National Champions in 2008, the Greenwood team also earning the prestigious Air Command Team of the Year award of that year.

In the summer of 2009, Gilles was posted to CFB Halifax in a staff position at Stadacona where he rejoined a dedicated group of lunch time squash players. Gilles continues to get involved with squash at the base by playing, providing lessons to juniors, open and women players, and facilitated Stad’s return and Shearwater’s introduction in the city’s Black Knight League for the 2010 season. Coincidently, members the CFB Halifax team are the current military squash Regional champions.

Gilles maintains a very delicate balance between his family commitments, sports, involvement in squash and challenging military career. He could not get everything done without the support of his family, friends, colleagues and the dedicated volunteers of the SNS executive which is very much appreciated.