Obituary for
Jean-Louis Huard
The family is saddened to announce the passing of, Jean-Louis Huard, on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at age 82 years.
Jean-Louis was born in Matachewan, Ont. on January 1, 1938 to Ernest and Yvonne (Anglehart) Huard. He was the oldest of two children; he was predeceased by his brother Gilles Huard.
Growing up in an era of scarcity and food stamps, Jean-Louis learned the value of work at a young age. He happily recounted trading labour as a boy for the local baker or milkman in exchange for a sweet treat. He first learned French at home but touted the advantages of learning Canada’s two official languages as he grew. He told tales of time spent outdoors biking, swimming in lakes and rivers, tobogganing, and playing pick up hockey. He attended high school at Kirkland Lake Collegiate & Vocational Institute where he met the love of his life — Linda (O’Neill).
As a young man, he tried his hand at gold mining, truck driving, forestry in Montana, and grocery store work before training in the newly emerging field of computer programming in the 1960s. Though, schooling and work often necessitated periods of separation, the strength of their love saw Jean-Louis and Linda marry in August 1962. The couple and their growing family, daughters Holly-Ann and Rhonda (Bond), moved to Ottawa in 1970. They welcomed daughter Alanna (Simms) a few years later.
Jean-Louis worked for about 40 years as a civil servant, in Ottawa, Hull and Gatineau offices, where he was known for his dedication and organizing annual Christmas party. He also worked part-time with Loblaws grocery stores for over 25 years.
Never one to sit idle and always looking to serve his community, he also volunteered with Knights of Columbus Council 8008 organizing basketball free throws, car tickets sales, and serving on the executive. He was very proud to be part of the brotherhood of the Knights and even rescheduled a hip replacement to attend his 4th degree induction ceremony.
Jean-Louis delayed retirement as long as possible but never missed an opportunity to travel to see friends or family on his weeks off. He loved time-spent with his cousins (Pigeau and Huard), nieces and nephews. He frequently offered his amateur videographer services to capture the little and big moments of our lives. He “aka Johnny“ and Linda “ aka Kathy” had numerous honeymoons and anniversary parties over the years. They road tripped much of Canada and the USA and even made it to the Vatican in Rome. He was a devoted husband, and the chauffeur of “Mom’s Taxi – The JAKAL”. JAKAL sounds fierce but it means Johnny and Kathy are Lovers!! She predeceased him in 2016.
Life was not the same without Linda but he filled his time raising funds for children with Autism. He spent countless hours scouring neighbourhoods and canvasing for cans, bottles and aluminium that were crushed, recycled and monies donated. This went on for a few years until his failing health and advancing dementia prevented the project from continuing.
A good meal or a visit with grandkids was always a good reason for a break from his work. His smiled beamed on visits with Joshua, Jasmine, Jacob, Jayson, Kora, Cadel or Great-Grandson Oliver.
After over 40 years at Beacon Heights Condominium complex, he took up residence at Montfort LTC in May 2019. The family would like to extend its appreciation for the care he received from the doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, activity workers, care aides and other staff at Montfort Long Term Care. It is difficult losing a loved one to pneumonia/COVID19 but the staff facilitated our goodbyes via Skype and made his final hours as comfortable as possible.
A Memorial mass will be held at Annunciation of the Lord Church with internment in Kirkland Lake Cemetery at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Jean-Louis to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate or a local charity of their choosing.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean-Louis
Huard 1938 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario