Passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at the age of 78, following a decade-long battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Born in Cochrane, Ontario, he was the son of Gracia Barrette (née Girard) and Ludger Barrette. He is survived by his wife Madeleine Caron, his two children, Joël Barrette (Roberta) and Valérie Barrette (Brendan Sutton), his four grandchildren, Isabelle and Samuel Barrette and Émile and Toulouse Sutton as well as his sister Mionne Bradette (Raymond) and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister Lina Lefebvre, his brother Lucien Barrette, his sister-in-law Réjeanne Barrette (née Dupuis), his brother-in-law Hans Hietala and his niece Joëlle Granger.
He was a passionate man. His keen interest in gastronomy, politics, history, hockey and travel fueled many memorable moments and lively conversations. He was a devoted teacher and the hundreds of students who passed through Mr. Denis’ class will remember his commitment, his sense of humor and his creativity.
His family wishes to thank the staff members of St Patrick’s Home who have cared for Denis with utmost dedication throughout his stay at the residence, in particular Masa Yamanaka, Mary Grace Isais, Quinette Epelle, Chris Tejano, Sarah Watson and Beatriz Rodrigues. Special thanks to Elena Hillyard who greatly enhanced Denis’ quality of life over the last few years.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Carefor, a local charitable organization providing support services and respite care for individuals struggling with dementia, as well as their caregivers.
Digital Guestbook
Teresa Bezjak (von Teichman)
masa yamanaka
" The candle may go out, but the memory of its light remains "
Sean Paradis
I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Barrette’s passing and his struggle with dementia.
To say that Mr. Barrette was a loved teacher is an understatement.
I was a student at George-Étienne Cartier from maternelle in ‘82 to grade 8 in ‘92.
Having gone through all the grades leading up to grade 8, we heard rave reviews of how great and cool Mr. Barrette was to have as a teacher.
He unfortunately left GEC in 92 but I was lucky enough to still have him as a teacher in Cooking at Ste. Geneviève.
He certainly lived up to his reputation.
He was loved, admired and will be dearly missed.
Paul Btisebois
I was a student of his back in around 1979. His first year a Georges Étienne Cartier school. He was an awesome teacher that left a profound mark in my life. All my condolences to the family.
Denis taillon
My condolences to the family, Mr Barrette by far
My favourite teacher at George Etienne Cartier
He was passionate about teaching, he definitely touched our souls teaching, wish I had reconnected with him, though about him lots of times,
Rip Denis
Haylie Laursen & Family
Sending love and hugs from Tokyo to Valerie and family during this difficult time. May your dad rest in peace.
Denyse B Séguin
'' Un seul rayon de soleil suffit pour chasser une multitude d'ombrages''....En 2002, alors que je vivais un deuil , Denis me glissa ces paroles de St François d'Asisse sur un petit bout de papier que j'ai conservé à ce jour... Quel bon collègue de travail !....Des souvenirs inoubliables ! De belles années ! Mes plus sincères condoléances à vous tous! Repose en paix Denis !
Greg Syrnick & Lori Chomik
Dear Joel, Roberta, Isabelle and Samuel - we are so very sorry for your loss. The death of a parent/grandparent is a profound loss. We hope and pray you all find comfort in the coming days and weeks. Our sincere condolences. Вічна йому памʼять! May his memory be eternal!
Jennie Cote
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Denis well. Condolences to you and your family!
Sylvie Newman (née Archambault)
My condolences to his family. I was a student of his in grade 8 at GEC in 1986-1987 school year.
He was always my favourite teacher as a kid. Monsieur Denis encouraged me to pursue my artwork from a very young age - he gave me a lot of confidence and I’m sure I’m not the only student who received that affirmation. He will always be fondly remembered. My sincere condolences to the whole family.
-Teresa, former student at SFA