Father’s Day - a time to celebrate dads at Mercy Place Lathlain

As Father’s Day approaches, 81-year-old Mercy Place Lathlain resident, father and grandfather Gerard Bijoux will be spending Sunday 1 September in good company.

This year, Gerard will be celebrating the special day alongside his children — as well as some of his 14 great grandchildren.

The Bijoux family spans three generations, headed by patriarch Gerard, who was born in Mauritius and moved to WA in 1968 with his family.

Wife Muriel, who Gerard married 35 years ago, said her husband had been a particularly wonderful stepfather and grandfather to her three children and seven grandchildren, after his first wife passed away from cancer and he was left a widower.  

“Gerard is a very important person in all of our lives; he is a true gentleman and shows so much love for his family, so we want to show him how much he is loved and respected,” she said.

“Despite having dementia, he still has an incredible zest for life and asks about the kids and grandkids every day. We will be holding a special celebration planned at Mercy Place Lathlain to celebrate Father’s Day in Gerard’s honour.”

Mercy Place Lathlain Acting Service Manager, Neslie Libunao, said Father’s Day presented a perfect opportunity to recognise fathers like Gerard.

“There are many amazing gentleman like Gerard at Mercy Place Lathlain who have demonstrated selfless dedication, love and care for their family during their lifetime, and that’s why our team here try hard to recognise their contribution, not just on a particular day but throughout the entire year,” she said.

“On Father’s Day itself, Gerard will be spending time celebrating with his family; they are very proud of him and his dedication as a father, stepfather and grandfather over many decades.”

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