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
Anne Lim, Jim Curtiss, Agatha Lim, Sean Lim, and Devon Miles
Amelia Kreager
Eric was an amazing professor, he was very kind and encouraging. He had an impact on my life and studies, and his knowledge and gentle advice were very meaningful to me and many other students. My condolences to you and your family.
Anne Bordeleau
I had only crossed paths with Eric very briefly, but the space of these few conversations was enough to get a sense of his wonderful spirit, his generosity and friendly disposition, and his love and commitment for the work he did and those he worked with. Eric was a great mentor to his students and a friend to many colleagues -- we will all miss him. Warmest condolences to his friends and family.
Joanne Read
Paula my thoughts are with you and your family during this time. My deepest sympathies to you all. Joanne
Nicolas Lavoie
J'ai eu l'honneur de collaborer à quelques reprises avec Éric. C'était un homme de talent et d'une grande générosité. C'est un perte immense pour le milieu... J'offre toutes mes sympathies à Paula et à l'ensemble de la famille.
Lynn Trevor
My deepest condolences to you and the family, Paula. May the beautiful memories of your love for each other always give you comfort. My heart and thoughts are with you. Rest in peace Eric.
Lynn Ferron, Don Milbury
We loved Eric, a calm, intelligent, funny, humble human who treasured Paula and his family. It was our honour to have him in our lives. May he rest in peace.
Martin Laneuville
Although I had not spoken to him in ages, it is with heartfelt sorrow that I reacted to the news of Eric’s passing and my heart goes out to Paula and the family.
The elegantly written tribute fits him like a glove. It is true that Eric was an extraordinarily decent and gentle soul who touched everyone he ever came into contact with.
After university, for a while, we were practically neighbours in old Montreal. As such, at our table, we were blessed by his presence, his smile and his witty repartee , on a regular basis. They were good days in our lives.
So long fair friend.
Sean Lim and Devon Miles
Eric was a wonderful person to know for the brief time we got to spend with him. He was fantastic company around the dinner table and a wonderfully chipper fellow. I hope we will all share another meal some day.
Debbie Maklin
Toutes mes condoléances Paula, à toi, tes enfants et la famille pour cette perte énorme. Aucun mot ne suffit pour te réconforter, mais sache que mes pensées t’accompagnent dans ces moments difficiles.
Eric and Paula came into my family’s and my life a scant 6 years ago. Many happy memories were created over this time-yummy vegan meals (several cooked by Eric), listening to some of his record collection, attending one of his vjaying gigs, and teaching me how to power walk. Two of the most
special memories were the photo montage he created for Jim’s and my wedding last Sept as well as seeing him dancing with Paula. We will miss his calm presence, gentle eyes and quiet smile.
Eric, you will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. May you be loved where your are now as you were loved on earth. Rest in peace.
Love and hugs,
Anne, Jim, Agatha, Sean, and Devon