SPRINGFIELD – Gilles O. Simard, 86, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, September 21, 2012. He passed into Eternal Life from his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Saint Sebastian, Province of Quebec, Canada on September 1, 1926, a beloved son of the late Omer N. and Marie Anne (Martel) Simard. He was raised and schooled in Canada and moved to Burlington, Vermont around 1947 where he lived until moving to Springfield around 1972. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II, attained the rank of Technician Fifth Class and received the World War II Victory Medal. In the 1960’s, he established Simard Signs and Supplies, which he owned and operated for many years. He later changed the name to Simard Advertising Specialties of Springfield which he owned and operated until his death. He was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield. Gilles was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling in his motor home to many states and Canada. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by: his dear sister, Margaret Simard; his loving daughter, Susan Bessette; and his loving son, Milford “Duffy” Bushey, who was Called Home on December 14, 2010. He leaves: his beloved wife and best friend of 47 years, Eliza J. (Knight) Simard; his loving children, Mary Jane DeFino of Michigan, Marda Bushey of Las Vegas, Nevada, Marsha Shappy and her husband, Bruce, of Springfield, Joan Tessier and her husband, Bob, of Florida, Marian Rainville and her husband, Elliott, of Springfield, Margie Grenier of Maryland, and Ann Douglas and her husband, Michael, Sally Simard, Yvette Simard and Laura Demers, all of Chicopee; his loving daughter-in-law, Cindy Bushey of Wisconsin; his 18 cherished grandchildren; his 17 cherished great-grandchildren; his many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces; and his many dear sisters-in-law of the Knight family. His relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 on Friday, September 28, 2012, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. which will be followed by a Prayer Service in the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. His burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family at Maplewood Cemetery in Huntington, VT. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or to the American Heart Association Founders Affiliate, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.