Glen Green by the Sea

History

Dedication memorial placque mounted on the living room fireplace mantle at Glen Green by the Sea.

Glen Green, built by Cheverié Construction Co., Ltd., for Dr. and Mrs. Gustave Gingras was officially opened by The Honorable Alexander B. Campbell, P.C., Q.C., Premier of Prince Edward Island on July the 26th, 1971.

The internationally-known physician, Dr. Gustave Gingras [Portrait] [Photo 1] [Photo 2], had Glen Green by the Sea built for himself as his retirement home in the native province of his first wife, Rena. He expressly had the house designed for universal (handicapped) access as he suffered from a physically-debilitating genetic disease which he knew would eventually confine him to a wheelchair. Gingras lived with his first and second wives in the manse for about 15 years, and then in Quebec, his and his second wife's native province, for about 10 more years, until passing away in 1996. While living in Glen Green, Dr. Gingras and Rena entertained many famous dignitaries from across Canada and the world.

Translation of an ode to the late Dr. Gustave Gingras as given by Mr. Bernard Patry (Pierrefonds-Dollard, Lib.) in the Canada House of Commons on Tuesday May 14, 1996:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to point out the extraordinary contribution made by a great man of international renown, Dr. Gustave Gingras, who passed away last week. A native of Montreal, Dr. Gingras founded the Institut de réadaptation de Montréal in 1949 and acted as its director general until 1977. Because of his reputation, people from all over the globe sought his advice. His expertise in planning rehabilitation policies was greatly appreciated. He was awarded many prizes, including the Order of Canada, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Silver Medal International, the B'nai Brith Humanitarian Award and the Medal of Merit of South Vietnam. In 1982, he became a Queen's Honourable Physician. Among other works, he wrote Combats pour la survie and cowrote Human Rights for the Physically Handicapped and Aged. The nation has just lost an eminent citizen. To his wife and to all his family, I wish to express my most sincere condolences.

Links for more information on Dr. Gingras.

Hallway stained glass window at Glen Green honoring Dr. Gustave Gingras, 1974.

Hallway stained glass window
honoring Dr. Gustave Gingras, 1974.
(click photo to enlarge)

Hallway stained glass window at Glen Green honoring Rena Gingras, 1973.

Hallway stained glass window
honoring Rena Gingras, 1973.
(click photo to enlarge)