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
Jean Robertson (Thompson)
Marie-Claude Jean
Triste de voir partir mon oncle Jean, un être tellement doué pour le bonheur. Je garde le souvenir de l’accueil si chaleureux qu’il nous réservait toujours et de son rire irrésistible quand il nous racontait des blagues. Un bonheur tout simple dans l’amour des plus petites choses.
Le fait qu’il ait profité pleinement de la vie et qu’il ait été entouré de l’amour des siens jusqu’à sa toute fin contribue quelque peu à adoucir la dure réalité de son départ.
Mes plus sincères condoléances à ma chère tante ainsi qu’à ses enfants et petits-enfants.
Marie-Claude et Sylvain
Joan Carey
Mes sincères sympathies à « Tante Claudette » et à la famille.
J’ai de très bons souvenirs de nos rencontres chez Marie-Claude et Hélène, des party d’huîtres et même des rencontres en Floride.
C’était toujours agréable de le rencontrer. Bon courage à chacun et chacune.
Louis Poitras
Mes plus sincères condoléances à tante Claudette ainsi qu'à toute la famille.
Sincere condolences to Claudette and Family. I have good memories of working with Benny at NDMC.