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Webisode Gerry Ouellette's Rifle

  1. Alex Decoteau
  2. John Loaring
  3. Dick Irvin
  4. Winnie Roach-Leuszler
  5. Percival Molson
  6. Conn Smythe
  7. Gerry Ouellette
  8. Daryl Seaman
  9. Benjamin Keeper
  10. Mark Fuchko
  11. Mini Documentary - Teams and Veterans - Host Narrator - Master Warrant Officer Jody Marchuk
  12. Artefact Webisode - Alex Decoteau's Pocket Watch
  13. Artefact Webisode - Gerry Ouellette's Rifle

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Video Transcript

[Narrator - Rylan Strachan]

[Images of Gerry Ouellette holding rifle and image of Ouellette's Winchester rifle]

Gerry Ouellette was a marksman who frequently represented Canada at the International Shooting Competitions during the 1950's and 1960's. This Winchester Model 52 target rifle used by Ouellette represents a legacy of shooting excellence. In competition, Ouellette used this model of a Winchester rifle because it was the premier small-bore target rifle at the time and it was known for its increased accuracy and range.

[Images of Gerry Ouellette]

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Ouellette was first introduced to shooting while in high school as a cadet. He received individual instruction to further develop his skills and won the Canadian Junior and Cadet Service Rifle titles in 1951.

[Image of Bisley Team]

After graduation, Ouellette continued to qualify annually for the prestigious Bisley Games in England. He competed fifteen times. He finished in the top 25 twelve times and won three Bisley aggregate titles.

[Image of Ouellette holding Olympic medal, image of Ouellette and Boa]

Ouellette joined the Canadian Forces in 1955 and continued to hone his skills. At the age of 22, Ouellette captured a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games in the small-bore rifle prone event with a perfect score of 600, the first Canadian to do so. He and his teammate Gilmour Boa shared a rifle and both had to shoot within the two and a half hour time limit.

[Image of Ouellette]

Following his Olympic performance, Ouellette was the first Canadian to win a gold medal at the Pan-American Games in 1959.

[Image of Ouellette - GERRY OUELLETTE/ AUG 1934-JUNE 1975]

Gerry Ouellette tragically died in a plane crash near Leamington, Ontario while flying his own aircraft on June 25, 1975 at the age of 40.

[Image of Ouellette shooting]

Although his life was cut short, Ouellette left an impressive legacy and set standards that continue to inspire Canadian shooters today.



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