Ottawa has lost a talented, secret gardener who gave gifts of beautiful gardens to his friends - gardens that would grow into scenes of variety, colour and shape naturally over the years - something delightful to discover through the changing seasons. He was more than a gardener, his landscaping added tranquility and interest that could last for generations.
Gérard’s death came suddenly, having been diagnosed with cancer on February 15th and dying a week later of cardiogenic shock as the result of a burst artery before oncology, chemotherapy and radiation specialists had a chance to discuss treatment options.
Born and raised in Ottawa, many of his friends and old work colleagues were deeply shocked by the news. He was known for his commitment to social causes which he held close to his heart. This led him to work the more challenging career assignments such as the Non-Medical Use of Drugs Program, focused on young people addicted to illegal drugs due to poverty, hopelessness and lack of opportunity and the National Gun Control Program to promote gun registration and the safe use of firearms across the country. Both were challenging and politically controversial programs. After his retirement and while living in Lanark, he became a Director of the EDA Liberal Party in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.
His compassion for social causes also extended internationally in part due to his two year career move to the World Bank, when he travelled widely in Africa. As a result, he supports children and villages through the SOS Children’s Foundation. He was also a supporter of theatre, having contributed to the Stratford Shakespearian Festival and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, attending hundreds of plays and theatre productions over the past 40 years. He was a longtime subscriber of the National Arts Centre. He regretted the COVID cancellations, but continuing to support these organizations during the pandemic. He was looking forward to the opening of the Tom Patterson Theatre after the two year delay.
A happy performer himself and gifted with a baritone voice, Gérard sang in two choirs, one in Lanark Village (Men of the Clyde), giving community concerts and special concerts in the long term care homes. The other in Ottawa (The Atlantic Voices) celebrating songs of the region to the vast enjoyment of Maritimers living in Ottawa.
Gérard was not a “renaissance man”, he was a modest, brilliant man with many interests and a happy life. When he graduated Summa Com Laude from the University of Ottawa, he was named the number one student of all the colleges affiliated with the Université de Laval in Québec.
He was predeceased by his parents, Colonel F.J. Gérard Garneau and Jacqueline Coté Garneau who resided at 365 Daly Avenue (Philomène Terrace) and brothers André and Pierre and sister Paule Jessup. He will be sadly missed by his brother Jean, niece Pascale and her daughter Phoebe; in-laws Andy and Margie McNabb, Heather and Gordon Walt. His joie-de-vivre and kindness will also be missed by his extended family - Elizabeth Imrie and her children who have been so supportive of Courtney during this sad time of loss. The families travelled together, introducing the children to the theatre, holidaying together at the Imrie cottage at Haliburton and had great parties and weddings at Lanark.
Professor Emeritus of Contemporary Dance at Concordia University, Elizabeth Langley, long shared his passion for music, art and nature.
Throughout the years, Gérard found time to transform his Lanark property with trees and several gardens. When he retired 25 years ago, he enrolled in Architectural Landscape at La Cité Collégiale. He approached his new landscaping studies with his usual joy and dedication.
When he left Lanark, returning to live permanently in Ottawa, he took on the task of designing the gardens at Falling Waters, high on the shore of the Rideau River. One day last fall, a fellow resident working with him in the garden, looked with admiration and asked Gérard, “what do you think of your garden now?”. Gérard quietly replied with shining eyes, “I never thought I would realize my dream”.
There will be a party for Gérard as soon as gardens grow again, probably mid May. Please keep an eye on this website for further information and updates.
Digital Guestbook
Margaret Mikkelborg & Peter Buchanan
Isabelle Coté
Chère Courtney,
Je vous offre mes plus sincères condoléances et toute mon affection. Gérard a toujours été pour moi un modèle de bonté et de joie de vivre. Nous avons en commun l'amour de la famille, de la nature et des jardins. Il était un cousin formidable et je suis touchée de retrouver chez Gabriel de ces indéniables ressemblances familiales. Please receive my most sincere condolences. With much love, Isabelle
JEAN WALTERS
Canada and the world have lost one of its true treasures.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Courtney. To know
and love you both has been such a privilege.
Love, Jean
Andree Jessop
Dear Courtney, so sorry to learn about Gerard's sudden departure. Although far away, through family, I was aware of your house, gardens and dogs in Lanark and of your return to Ottawa. Pierrot enjoyed very much his stay with you, years ago and I often think of you when I play bridge, since I know you used to enjoy it with friends. My thoughts are with you, with love.
Gordon and Heather Walt
We will really miss our beloved brother-in-law. He was a wonderful friend and a gracious host. We will always treasure our memories of him from the many times we shared family events. In his memory we have donated a family grove of twenty-five trees to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation who will plant the trees in the Rideau Valley watershed.
Noel Lomer
Courtney my sincere condolences on your sudden loss. My time knowing you both was a pleasure with Gerard’s calm, measured words and his ready quiet humour. I will miss him as you certainly will. With kind regards. Noel
John Mundy
I only had the pleasure of getting to know Gérard through a luncheon discussion group/Zoom group over the past few years. He was a very valued participant with keen insight into public affairs in Canada and the world. I was very surprised by his sudden death and will miss his warm personality, his enthusiasm for gardening and his contribution to our discussions.
Regards,
John Mundy
Caroline Gibson
I had the pure pleasure of teaching Gerard vocal lessons for 17 years! Lucky me to have been graced with Gerard's beautiful baritone voice. His smile, and passion for singing was always so infectious. I was truly saddened when hearing of his sudden passing, but I will hold dear to my heart the many memories we shared, especially our duet of "Think of Me" from "Phantom of the Opera"! We performed it at my Student Coffeehouse, and Gerard's command of both vocals and stage presence inspired a raucous standing ovation in his honour. I couldn't have been more proud to have witnessed that moment! Bravo Gerard, for your Beautiful Music. Thank you for sharing your gift with me, and my adoring students! Blessed are we! So much to love, so much to miss! Your melody will always remain in our hearts!
We will miss Gerard so much, particularly at our Thanksgiving celebrations when the two of you would join us every year, laden with homemade goodies! He was such a delight, so intelligent, thoughtful and interesting . We will all miss him greatly. Margaret and Pete