Mr. Pierre Francis Camu passed away on September 5, 2023, at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. He was 100. Mr. Camu was born in Montreal on March 19, 1923.
After earning a PhD in geography at the University of Montreal in 1947, Mr. Camu embarked on a long career that saw him, among other positions, teach at University Laval in Quebec City (1956-1960) and serve as vice-president and then president of the St. Lawrence Seaway (1960-1973), president of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (1977-1979), and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University of Ottawa (1973-1979). Additionally, Mr. Camu served in a leadership position at a number of private sector entities, including Lavalin (now SNC-Lavalin). He authored a number of books on the economic geography of Canada and transport on the St. Lawrence. He received a number of accolades, including Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the Order of Quebec, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Mr. Camu was one of the two founders of the Trans Canada Trail, which has connected Canada from one ocean to the other two.
He is survived by his wife Marie Marthe (born Trudeau), also a centenarian, whom he married on November 4, 1950, their children Suzanne (Marc Quinet), Mylène (Don Saxton) and Pierre (Tina Kader) (Sylvie Barry (1960-2005)), their grandchildren Milou (Tom Richards), Paule (Gerardo Barahona), Arnaud (Sahar Zaboli), Benjamin (Emily Raymond), Camille, Gaultier (Nathalie Ouellet), Dustin (Nadyne Brost), Marilou (Lincoln Brown), Zoe, and Thomas (1996-2011), their great-grandchildren Flavie, Marielle, Lily, Ozgood, Felix, Violet, Franco, and Oliver, as well as his brother Marcel. He is predeceased by his sister, Lise. He leaves behind nieces and nephews from Quebec and New Brunswick.
The family will receive condolences on October 14, 2023 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, after 12 noon. Service will follow in the Sacred Space at 1 pm. Those wishing to attend virtually may register for the livestream here.
The family wishes to thank Dr. André Gauthier and his wife and nurse-practitioner, Lorraine, for their exceptional care to Mr. Camu and recognizes the devotion of the Riverpath Residence staff as well as our private caregivers.
The family encourages donations to Trans Canada Trail, The Ottawa Mission, or Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Paul Trudeau
Claire et Gerry Chartrand
Nos sincères condoléances à toute le famille.
Louise Mantha et Dann Michols
Son cheminement professionnel impressionnant n'a d'égal que toute la belle progéniture qu'il lègue! Nos condoléances sincères à toute la famille.
Danièle Geoffrion
Mes sincères condoléances à toute votre famille. Une longue vie bien accomplie qui vous laisse, sans aucun doute, de merveilleux souvenirs.
Louise Lafleur
Robert et Louise Lafleur offrent leurs plus sincères condoléances à l’épouse et la famille de Pierre Camu suite à son deces.
Leo Ryan de maritime magazine
Le monde a perdu un défendeur passionnant de la voie maritime du saint Laurent et un gentleman extraordinaire…
Terence Bowles
As CEO and President of the St Lawrence Seaway(SLSMC) I extend my condolences to the Camu family. What an impressive career he had and in particular I know he looked fondly on his time at the Seaway. I appreciated receiving a copy of his latest book"La Flotte Blanche" and we will strive to continue to promote and protect the St Lawrence River as he did!
Gisèle Gaudet
Yves se joint à moi pour vous offrir nos plus sincères condoléances.
Sylvie Chartrand et Saäd Rafi
Pierre et à la famille Camu,
Nos sincères condoléances. Nous pensons à vous!
Victoria Hunu
As a caregiver of Mr. CAMU I Never see him upset he always smile and cracked jokes very nice person indeed I'm gonna miss him alot .
Mes sympathies à toute la famille.