With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Jean-Paul Delisle, age 75. He was a man of many talents and excelled in academics (Master's degree/Political Science, University of Ottawa, 1973), athletically (represented Canada for volleyball in the 1970 World Student Games in Turino, Italy) or as a musician on drums. He had a beautiful singing voice. He travelled to Thailand at his expense with the Welsh Choir of HK, all proceeds raised going to Operation Smile.
Jean-Paul's 30 year career path with Foreign Affairs gave him the opportunity to proudly serve & represent Canada in Jamaica, Yugoslavia, Nigeria, France, Egypt & Asia. He was immensely respected throughout by everyone he dealt with for his astute critical thinking & analysis, sense of fairness, sincerity & honesty.
While living in Hong Kong Jean-Paul started on a new & exciting career path as an entrepreneur (& inventor), inventing & winning the Consumer Product of the Year Award. After 7 years, he joined Microsoft ( Asia) as one of their leading forensics expert. Returning to Canada in 2009, he joined Takeda Pharmaceuticals in a similar role as a consultant. He embraced all of his working years with a sense of wonder, curiosity & enjoyment no matter the task at hand. His colleagues describe him as an outstanding professional as well as a wonderful friend & a person of moral strength & integrity.
In retirement, Jean-Paul put in the same amount of zest, seriousness & fun in golf, curling, travelling, cruising & voracious readings. He loved "road trips" of which there were many, always prefering the longer scenic routes.
Most of all, Jean-Paul worshiped & cherished his family. He leaves to grieve his loving wife, Diane (Soulard), his three children & their partners, Eric in Montreal, Julie (Hermann), & Marc-André (Anuli) in Nova Scotia as well as his six grandchildren, Juliette, Léa, Élise, Loïc, late Aviana & Arlo, his four sisters, Suzanne, Claire (Gosson), Denise & Nicole as well as his sisters-in-law, Suzanne Paris, Claudette Mantha.
In Tina Turner's words, to all who loved him, Jean-Paul was "SIMPLY THE BEST".
Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 29, 2023 at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue Ottawa from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Charitable donations for those who wish to the Ottawa Food Bank in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.
C'est avec le coeur lourd que nous annonçons le décès soudain de Jean-Paul Delisle, âgé de 75 ans. C'était un homme aux multiples talents, tant sur le plan académique (maîtrise/science politique, Université d'Ottawa, 1973), qu'athlétique (représenta le Canada pour le volleyball aux 1970 World Student Games à Turin, Italie) et musical (batterie). Chantant d'une belle voix, il s'est rendu en Thaïlande à ses frais avec le Welsh Choir de HK afin de lever des fonds pour Operation Smile.
Pendant 30 ans, Jean-Paul a fait carrière aux Affaires étrangères ce qui lui a permis de servir et représenter le Canada avec fierté en Jamaïque, en Yougoslavie, au Nigéria, en France, en Egypte et en Asie (HK). Il était immensément respecté par ses pairs qui appréciaient son esprit critique, son sens de l'équité, sa sincérité et son honnêteté.
Toujours à Hong Kong, Jean-Paul a commencé une nouvelle carrière passionnante d'entrepreneur et d'inventeur qui lui a valu le prix du produit de consommation de l'année. Par la suite, il a travaillé pour Microsoft (Asie) en tant qu'un de leurs principaux experts en criminalistique. Finalement, à son retour au Canada en 2009, il sera conseiller auprès de Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Tout au cours de sa carrière, c'est avec émerveillement, curiosité et plaisir qu'il s'appliquait, qu'importe la tâche à accomplir. Ses ex-collègues le décrivent comme un professionnel exceptionnel, ainsi qu'un merveilleux ami de grande force morale et d'intégrité.
A la retraite, c'est encore avec sérieux, énergie et passion que Jean-Paul s'est adonné au golf, au curling, aux voyages et croisières , ainsi qu'à beaucoup de lecture. Il adorait faire de nombreux "road trips", préférant souvent les routes secondaires.
Par dessus tout, Jean-Paul adorait et chérissait sa famille. Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse bien aimée, Diane (Soulard), ses trois enfants et leurs conjoints, Eric à Montreal, Julie ( Hermann) et Marc-André ( Anuli) à Halifax ainsi que ses 6 petits enfants, Juliette, Léa, Élise, Loïc, feu Aviana et Arlo, ses 4 soeurs, Suzanne, Claire (Gosson), Denise et Nicole ainsi que ses belle-soeurs, Suzanne Paris et Claudette Mantha.
La crémation a déjà eu lieu. Une Célébration de Vie aura lieu le 29 juin 2023 au Centre commémoratif national Beechwood, 280, avenue Beechwood Ottawa de 14 h à 17 h. Au lieu de fleurs, un don à la Banque alimentaire d'Ottawa serait grandement apprécié.
Digital Guestbook
Marlene Futcher and Donald Munro
Richard LaMagna
I had the pleasure of working with Jean-Paul while we were both at Microsoft for seven years and we became fast friends. He was not only a dear friend and talented professional but a person of moral strength and integrity. He had an analytical mind and a great sense of humor. who always had a positive comment and outlook--I will miss him!
Ray Dainty
Jean Paul was a true gentleman. We had the pleasure of curling and socializing with him for a few years. We will miss his smile and always friendly demeanour.
David Cudmore
We so enjoyed curling with him, and against him. Drinks and chats after the games were always a pleasure with him at the table. He will be missed. May he rest in peace, with a broom in one hand and a rock in the other. Nan and Dave
Patricia et Rene Lafleur
Everyone I knew loved being Jean-Paul.
A true family man loved being with his wife.
One of his sayings was family was everything to him.
He will be missed.
Cris Skupen
The whole world is a sadder place without him. I love him dearly and miss him…
Mont & Andrea Doyle
We will forever remember our cherished neighbor .JP will be greatly missed by everyone .
A bientot
Willis Chang
Jean-Paul was and will always be a good friend in my heart. I had the pleasure of working with him at Microsoft HK for 3 years and I learned a lot from him both professionally and personally. A true gentleman with a loving heart, Jean-Paul’s funny character, and his smiles will always be my wonderful memories. Diane, you and your family are in my prayers.
Gary West
It was an honour to work with Jean-Paul during my time at Microsoft. I will cherish the memories of our relatively short time together and always remember the things I learned from him.
Maureen O'Neill
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Jean-Paul was a wonderful man and we were grateful to have known him. We will make a donation to the foodbank in his honor.
Hoping the good memories will bring you comfort during this very difficult time.
Maureen, Jennifer, Dave, Agnes, and Caylee.
Still in shock. The most perfect Gentleman I’ve ever known. A very appreciated source of advice throughout my life. Fair winds old friend.