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
Gabrielle Lepine and Rene Bissonnette
Liam Brisley
Eric was my professor my final semester of the BArch at Carleton University. After 4 years of hard work and sleepless nights in the program, Eric told us to relax and use the time in his class to explore and have fun learning about something he loved: projection mapping and film making. As much as we wanted to take our foot off the gas and enjoy a more laid back final studio, Eric’s passion for projections inspired us all to put in the extra effort to go above and beyond. He allowed us to use his own personal projection mapping license to create unique visual experiences that we hoped he would be proud of. In class, Eric would walk us through projects of his own, as well as those of other artists he respected, opening our eyes to his creative ideas. Eric taught us that art can take many forms: it can be projected onto a surface and leave without a trace. His wisdom however, will stay with me forever.
Catherine Bonier
Eric was so welcoming to me when I moved to Canada to join the Carleton faculty. His warmth, humour, wit, and amused smile lifted up every exchange and his kindness to students and colleagues was unparalleled. I will miss him tremendously. Sending wishes for solace and peace to his family.
Red Narvasa
He was a gentle soul, blessed with architectural creativity and plenty of wisdom. His patience and knowledge guided us through B. Arch and will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories...
Benjamin Gianni
I had the privilege of teaching with Eric in Carleton's 4th-year housing studio for the past few years. I can't imagine a better teacher or colleague. He loved what he did and he did it well. We will all miss Eric and feel privileged to have shared the time we did.
Bill Mitchell
Dear Paula, Jenny & Robert. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Eric was a dear friend and we always enjoyed his company. We have many great memories over the past forty years starting as classmates at Carleton.
I met Eric in third year and our bond was forever set as roommates during directed studies abroad in Rome. Travel, architecture, food and coffee have been key themes in our many conversations over the years.
During these past five years each of those meetings, often over coffee, reminded me of how just special Eric was. Rolling in on his bike, focused on family, his students & projects but always in the moment in spite of any obstacles he might be facing.
Eric you will be missed.
Bill & Barbara
Abigail Nelles
Eric was my professor for 2 semesters at Carleton University. Everyday he showed up excited to see the progress we were making with our projects. I always appreciated how kind and attentive he was to each and every one of us. The guidance he provided has impacted me greatly and I am thankful to have briefly known such a wonderful man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, he will be truly missed.
Kathleen Dickinson
Dear Paula,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
James Chapman
Eric was a classmate at the School of Architecture. He was always positive and alive with joy and a joie-de-vivre that was infectious. It was always a joy to reconnect whenever I happened to be at the school for guest crits. So sorry for your loss.
Warren Mack
There was an immediate connection with Eric from our time at school, the evolution of which I am ever grateful for. Our friendship spanned pivotal and challenging times for both of us, and it was through a profound sense of camaraderie, support, and humour, that life gained meaning.
My deepest condolences to you and your family Paula, I hope that you can find some solace in knowing how much Eric meant to so many.
Eric was a sweet ,kind man with a beautiful laugh.
We enjoyed every visit with him ,either at those vegan dinner parties or enjoying coffee and scones on the deck. We miss him.