It is with profound sadness that the family of John Leland Ausman announce his peaceful passing at 78, surrounded by family, on May 16, 2023, following an 8.5-year courageous battle with brain cancer.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Lise Fournier Ausman; his children: Paul (Kendra Primeau) and Christine (John Murray); his sister-in-law Monique Fournier-Redding; and cousins Sarah Sorensen, Elizabeth Lewis and Dik Gregory. John was predeceased by his parents Leland Herbert Ausman and Peggie (Gregory) Ausman.
John had a 34-year career in Canada’s Foreign Service, with a particular focus on UN and other multilateral affairs. He had the honour of representing Canada in the Ivory Coast (Abidjan), Bangladesh (Dhaka) and in our missions in the EEC (Brussels) and the United Nations (Geneva). He was seconded to the Department of Agriculture (1994-1996) and to the Privy Council Office’s Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat (1996-2004).
We wish to thank Dr. Cindy Wang (Bytowne Palliative Care team) for her wonderful care and compassion. Family and friends are invited to attend A Memorial Service at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 10:00. The Memorial Service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend: please register using the above tab. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Cindy Palajac
Kathy Gignac
Dear Lise, Paul & Christine,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. May you find comfort knowing that he is finally at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Rachel Touchette
Pour Lise,
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi et à ta famille.
Rita Brown
My condolences to you and your family!
David & Vanessa Brisco
John was my first friend when I joined the Foreign Service in 1973.
Good Bye old friend!
Bruno N. Tano
Sincere condolences to Lise and the entire Ausman family.
Bruno N. Tano
Jackie Bell
My deepest sympathy.You are in my prayers,
Dik Gregory
We are so sorry for John’s loss. He was gentle man with a warm and kind heart. In my mid teens, when he was in his mid 20’s. he offered me the chance to accompany him on a major expedition by jeep through Europe, the Sahara and into Senegal. It was an exotic and tempting opportunity which I had to decline in favour of continuing my A level studies. Still, it was one of life’s interesting propositions … I think fondly of it. Hugs - Dik and Hillary Gregory.
Deborah Theede
I remember first meeting John at a family gathering and thinking , "what a classy Guy!". Sometimes, first impressions are not lasting ones, but not so in this case. John lived his life with class, dignity and a quiet reserve. As in life, his death was with dignity surrounded by his loving family, just what John wanted.
The world will shine with a dimer light without John. Sincerest condolences to Lise, children and their partners.
David & Deborah Theede
Denise Michaud
Bonjour Lise, Je suis vraiment désolée, mes sincères condoléances.
With loving condolences and hugs ? for your dear John and you. May you have peace in your heart ? with good memories.