Louis Michael Tenace

Following a very brief and virulent battle with cancer, Louis Michael Tenace passed away in Ottawa on November 12, 2023. Beloved husband of 62 years to Michèle (Gaudreau), loving father to Lisa and Michael (Lynne), and dear Nonno to granddaughter Arianne.  

Louis’ career was closely tied to the field of negotiation, and he did so from all sides, first as president of the Cornwall branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, then as Superintendent of Personnel for the Ottawa Board of Education. He moved to Treasury Board as its Deputy Secretary of Collective Bargaining and went on to accept an appointment as Vice-Chair of the former federal Public Service Staff Relations Board. Once retired, he continued to work as an arbitrator for the province of Ontario until the age of 78.     

Louis took his family on frequent ski, camping and fishing trips, and skied mountains around the world with a trio of good friends; but his greatest travel partner was Michèle, with whom he visited almost 90 countries. They also wintered down south for greater than twenty years.  

An accomplished pianist, handyman and amateur chef, Louis also maintained an avid interest in current affairs and politics. In retirement, he devoured books on history, political science and geography, with biographies and WW2 among his favourites.

Louis had a strong and fearless personality; his love of family was fierce, and he valued loyalty, honour, and being a man of his word. His presence will be greatly missed by all those close to him.

Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) for a Visitation on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. until the time of service in Beechwood’s Sacred Space at 10 a.m.  Please make a donation in Louis’ memory to the charity of your choice. To register for the livestream, please click the tab above.