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
What a beautiful tribute to a much loved man. I have some idea of how much Eric meant to you all and how much he is and will be missed. Sending love and fortitude your way dear Paula