It is with great sadness that we announce the death of René Bernard Gelhay at the age of 88 on February 15, 2018 at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. Beloved husband of Sheila (nee King) for 61 years. Loving father to John (Maryanne), Bruce (Carolyn), and Wendy (Rick). Treasured grandfather to Jessica, Kaitlin and Shannon. Special brother-in-law to Basil (the late Brenda). René was born on January 8, 1930 in England to Lois and André. After earning his CA, Coopers & Lybrands offered him the opportunity to relocate to Montreal in 1957. A hard worker, during his successful business career, he achieved the level of Vice-President of Finance for pharmaceutical and real estate companies. René was also an accomplished tennis player who reached the Junior Wimbledon quarter-finals, captained the Canadian team to victory over the US in the Gordon Trophy Seniors Competition and served a term as president of the Mount Royal Tennis Club. He passed on his love of tennis as well as swimming to his children, and left them many warm memories of exciting, active family vacations. Always remembered, never forgotten. A Celebration of René's Life will be held on Friday February 23, 2018 at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.