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.