Major-General Jean Joseph Benoit
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jean Benoit, in Ottawa on January 18, 2024. He died peacefully and surrounded by family. He was the son of Dr. J.O. Benoit and Germaine Soucy of Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec.
He leaves in mourning his loving wife of 66 years Claudette (Poitras), his children, Guy, Marie-Josée (John Dempsey), Richard (Jean Ann Kowalewich Benoit), Julie (Robert Girard), along with his grandchildren, Annalise, Leo (Rebecca Rahme), Chloe, Sonia (Josh Knox), Benoit, Arielle (Nicolas Duguay), Olivier (Jenna Thompson), and his great-grandson Ethan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jean was born on February 14, 1932, in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. He was educated at Laval University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and completed his Medical Doctorate. He continued to pursue his studies, graduating in Anesthesiology at the University of Toronto in 1965.
Benny, as he was called by his friends and colleagues, went on to have a remarkable career as an anesthesiologist, including 40 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He completed his last military posting in Ottawa where he was promoted Major-General and appointed Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces in 1990, remaining in that position until his retirement in 1992. He exemplified the best of our Canadian values, serving his country at home and abroad in this role.
Jean was a dedicated physician, loving husband and father. He loved classical music and was an avid crossword puzzle lover. He enjoyed his many years of retirement at the family cottage that he loved so much. He will be remembered as a generous and humble man who always put others first. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue. The burial of the ashes will take place at a later date.
You are welcome to express your sympathies by making a donation to:
Canadian Lung Association
Ottawa General Hospital
Saint Elizabeth Foundation (Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation)
Digital Guestbook
Frances Allan
Paddy , Greg ,Allison Danielle and Angela!!
Thoughts and Prayers!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sharon MacNeil & Paul Anderson
I was so sad and sorry to hear about the passing of Jean. When we moved to Ottawa in 1990, the Benoit family opened their home to us MacNeil girls and made all of us feel like family. We spent many summer days in their pool and weekends up at the cottage. We really felt the warmth and love from Jean and Claudette, as well as all the laughs and good times. I wish you peace to bring comfort and loving memories to hold in your hearts, forever. Sending my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the entire family. ❤️❤️ Love Sharon & Paul
Elise Benoit
Mes sympathies a tante Claudette et les cousins/cousines Marie-Josee, Guy, Richard et Julie et tous vos proches. Qu’il repose en paix
Dominique Benoit
Chers tante Claudette, cousin(e)s Guy, Richard, Marie-Josée et Julie, quelle tristesse de voir notre oncle Jean partir à son tour… Un chagrin partagé par nous tous qui l’avons connu. Sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Je vous embrasse. Dominique et Alexandre
Geneviève Benoit
C'est avec beaucoup de tristesse que j'ai appris le décès du grand frère de mon père feu le Dr Paul Benoit. Je garde d'excellents souvenirs des moments passés avec lui, Claudette et mes cousins et cousines lorsque nous étions jeunes. Lead années nous ont séparés, mais la mémoire reste. Sincères condoléances à toute la famille.
andre jean
une belle page du livre de la famille benoit se ferme....la dernière.....
Hélène et Bastian Kruidenier
Nous sommes très chagrinés par le décès de Mon Oncle Jean. Il laisse un vide dans nos vies. J'ai quelques souvenirs de lui quand il a habité chez mes parents (dans un petit garde-robes au sous -sol) lors de ses études en médecine. Il pratiquait sa trompette qui l'aidait à se faire quelques sous dans les salles de danse. Puis quand il avait sa Weenibago pour trimballer sa famille aux rencontres familiales, toujours joyeux et si drôle avec ses farces sans fin. Puis a commencé une série d'invitations de Ma Tante Claudette: souper au roast beef délicieux du Temps des Fêtes avec beignes et galettes, baignades avec nos enfants dans la piscine et au Lac-Des-Loups, tour de chaloupe à moteur, randonnées en ski de fond au chalet. Mon Oncle Jean, l'hôte parfait, s'occupait de nos breuvages, de la musique qu'il adorait , du service à table et toujours de la conversation qui ne languissait jamais. De plus, c'est lui qui lavait toujours les chaudrons! Il y avait un monde heureux autour de lui et c'était un vrai plaisir de s'y laisser inviter. Nous lui devons plusieurs heures de joie. Nos plus profondes sympathies à Ma Tante Claudette et à tous ceux qui l'ont aimé.
Ann Normandin
My dear friend. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rémy Poitras
Mes plus sincères condoléances à tante Claudette ainsi qu'à mes cousins et cousines, Guy, Marie-Josée, Richard et Julie. D'excellents souvenirs de jeunesse refont surface. Mes pensées sont avec vous.
On behalf of Steven , our daughters and myself I would like to express our deepest condolences in the loss of a wonderful man Dr Benoit. He was always so welcoming and friendly to be around wherever my sisters and I would visit the family home or the cottage. I know his loss leave a big hole in all those who were honored to know and love him. May he rest in peace and may all your wonderful memories bring you comfort. Hod bless