It is with sadness that we announce Jules’ passing. With great pride we would like to share a look back on his life. Born in 1931 in Sainte Therese, near Montreal, he was the second son of Gertrude (Gallant) and Lionel Lafrance and predeceased by his brother Claude, sister Madeleine (Bourdon), grandson Kirk Kingsbury and by his son David, to whom he donated a kidney more than 50 years ago. Jules is now at rest alongside his beloved wife Aloha (d. 2006).
He is survived by his younger siblings, Jaqueline (Leclerc) and Paul. He will be forever missed by his children, Lise (Terry Kingsbury), Monique (Martin Damus) and Phil (Ruth Lafrance). His loving presence will also be missed by his 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Jules will be remembered for his wisdom and wit as well as his service to his country. He began his career with an education at Kingston’s RMC, which he later visited as an alumnus and as a member of the Old Brigade. It was during his studies there that he first learned to sail, a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life. He was a member and past commodore of the Lac Deschenes Sailing Club and later active with Britannia Yacht Club. At RMC he was introduced to spherical trigonometry which led to his lifelong passion for mathematics and a career in navigation. After college he enlisted in the RCAF and spent most of his military career as a member of the 408 Squadron in a Lancaster mapping northern Canada, ending as an instructor at the Air Navigation School in Winnipeg. A career move brought him and his young family to Ottawa where he began his civilian life, first with the Department of Public Works, and ending his career as Secretary of the Tariff Board at the age of 55. Jules spent his retirement years travelling this continent as well as Europe with Aloha. He thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers and was always thrilled to spend time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Grampy. After Aloha’s passing, Jules moved to Lynwood Park Lodge where, although slowly losing his sight, he penned a novel that he had been wanting to write since his mother’s death in 1958. His book, aptly titled « A Preferred Legacy » was a proud achievement and well-received when he took it on a book signing tour in Nova Scotia (where the story takes place). Jules spent his years at Lynwood enjoying the companionship of many friends and acquaintances, reading the daily Globe and Mail and puzzling out the cryptic crossword. As a family, we are saddened by his sudden loss but forever grateful to have known a man with such a deep passion for music, sciences, literature and lifelong learning.
Due to Covid-19, there will be a private visitation and funeral held at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry West Chapel and a celebration of life will be held at BYC (date TBA).
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Monday July 13th 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jules E Lafrance Monday July 13th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Ottawa, Province: Ontario