Born at Rouyn-Noranda and educated at the University of Ottawa, Gervais graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1962.
[2] He later attended the Royal Military College of Science in the United Kingdom.
[3] He was appointed Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at Valcartier and then Chief of Personnel and Senior Appointments at National Defence Headquarters.
[3] In retirement he became Deputy Secretary for Honours to the Governor-General of Canada.
[3] He is also part of a management team operating a proposed medical marijuana growing business near Kirkland Lake, Ontario.