Eric Archambault passed away peacefully at home on May 25th surrounded by his beloved family including his wife Paula (nee Walker), daughter Jennifer Lawrence (Scott Emmons), son Robert Lawrence, and his adorable baby grand-daughter Meredith Lawrence-Emmons. He will be dearly missed by his brother-in-law Michael Walker and his wife Malika, and his nephew Christoper (Gabrielle) and niece Maria (Anthony).
Eric was born in Montreal in 1964 and was predeceased by his loving parents Dr. Raymond Archambault and Yvette Mallette. He was an avid cyclist and racewalker, and passionate about the arts and supporting his local community.
Eric graduated from Carleton University in 1988 and went on to complete graduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills Michigan in 1994. He worked for a variety of architectural firms including Montreal based Shulim Rubin architecte, and Ottawa based Gary Stunden Architect, Lemay, Dorval, Fortin, Doyle Architects, and Griffiths Rankin Cook Architects, before finding his true passion as a teacher.
His love of teaching allowed him to experience art and culture across the world and he spent several years teaching in Finland as a guest lecturer at the Lahti Polytechnic Institute of Technology and the University of Oulu Dept. of Architecture. He returned home to Ottawa and completed his career as an Adjunct Professor and Sessional Lecturer at Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University where he taught for the past 20 years.
Eric’s life was defined less by his work and more by his gentle character and the relationships he had with his friends, colleagues, students, and most importantly, his family. Eric was a step-father only in legal terms, having raised, nurtured and loved his children Jen and Rob from ages 6 and 2 respectively. He was a devoted and loving father who focused on family first. Paula and Eric met in Toronto and eventually settled in Ottawa where they were blessed with an ordinary life of simple pleasures, and an extraordinary life of deep love for each other.
Eric’s illness came as a complete shock to the family and throughout his 5 year cancer journey he provided lessons in hope, positivity and resilience that will stay with his loved ones forever. Perhaps because of his architectural training, Eric found a way to make hope fit into a space that others wouldn’t have thought possible. His love for his family sustained and defined him. When he became a very proud Popi in September his determination to live was renewed because of his immense love for baby Meredith. We were and will always be very proud of him.
He will forever be in our hearts.
Bon soir
Bonne nuit
Beaux rêves mon amour
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, June 12th at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) from 1-3pm
Digital Guestbook
Andrea Laurel Mac Elwee
Claudia Pozo Simo
Dear Paula,
My heart goes out to you during this time of profound loss. Please know that you, Jen, and Rob are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Claudia
Andrew Bouchier
Eric was such a great, chill guy. Although I had known him for several years, it was only during our race walking training that we began to have really interesting conversations. I'll miss that.
My deepest sympathies to Paula and her family.
Susan McIntyre
Eric was a valued member of the Bytown Walkers. On our workouts, he provided us with inspiration and interesting discussions. We have and will miss him. Taken far too soon.
Richard Huot
Eric will be missed by so many. During his time he has helped so many young people in his teaching in such an insightful, kind and thoughtful manner. He was one of my early studio professors and helped me become the professional I am today. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to your students. You will be missed.
Kathy Steegstra
Dearest Paula, Jenny and Robert. Our deepest condolences on your loss. Eric was a wonderful human being and we were fortunate to have many happy times and exciting adventures with him & Paula. Great memories of mountain biking, running, climbing the chief, great meals, wonderful conversations and trips (Seattle, Whistler, Vancouver). Those memories of his time with us and friendship will remain with us forever. Most sincerely Kathy & Michael ❤️
Leah N
I knew Eric through the Bytown Walkers, and he was so nice and kind and funny. On the cold days (and there are many) when I wear my ski goggles out training I will fondly think of him.
Jim Mountain
I am truly saddened to learn of Eric's passing and heart goes to family and all close to him. He became a great colleague and friend , teaching in the adjoining Studio at Carleton U Architecture. We shared rich conversations and humour and were connected in a very meaningful way with 2 projects in recent times - the repurposing of 2 former residential schools - and working with indigenous communities in northern Ontario and Saskatchewan. His caring and conviction for this work was a testimony to his whole nature and approach to all he took on in life - whether it be meaningful projects, or relationships. I am so very sorry for his loss. He enriched us all
Nicholas Legault
I was a student of Eric's during my studies at Carleton University for 3 semesters. Eric was and is a great prof and amazing human being. The passion and energy he brought to teaching and sharing his knowledge of architecture, design and creativity is unmatched. I still remember the time he brought 40 students to his condo, just for us to have a better understanding of our housing studio project. I am very happy to have met Eric. Thank you for all the knowledge, support and advice. You've helped make a lot of people's visions and dreams become reality.
Pam Reid
It is with greatest regret that I hear this news today. Eric had such a powerful influence during my undergrad studies and my application to the graduate program. All my sincere condolences go to his family and loved ones.
Dear Paula and family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Eric was a dear friend through our university years and beyond. I hold special memories from our time studying with our classmates in Rome. He was my roommate on Cherrier, and a very supportive friend during our early professional years in Montreal. We had many memorable moments with our Montreal gang.
Rest in peace, dear Eric.
Andrea