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.
Livre de visiteurs
P. Gail Harrod
Linda Moise
Courtney, my thoughts are with you and I send you virtual hugs. I only met him once when I got those beautiful chairs from you. He seemed like a content, quiet person. Now reading what you have written up above, it is easy to see what an incredibly wonderful man he was. He sounds like he was a perfect match for you.
Warmest of regards
Linda
Pierrette Lepine et Teddy
My deepest sympathies to Courtney and the families
Margaret Lavictoire
To Courtney and your extended family
I had the pleasure of knowing Gérard through Atlantic Voices. He brought his joy and engaging presence to our times together as a choir. I will particularly remember how he shared his wisdom and wit to create bilingual titles for our concerts. Holding you all in my heart.
Margaret
Andrew Walt
I will miss Gerards good humor and gentle soul. I am thankful he was part of my life. I have wonderful memories of good times and will miss him. He is an inspiration to all that knew him and were touched by him. So sorry for your loss Court.
Frank Bradley
You wrote a wonderful obituary for Gerard. He certainly will be missed. Sincere condolences from your WG friends. We all hope to see you soon. Stay well, Frank
Sandy Lorimer
So sudden, so sad. He was a lovely man. I will always think of him as a treasure-trove of knowledge and stories a bout Sandy Hill. When we move there decades ago, he would regale us with stories of our neighbourhood, just around the corner from Daly Street. He was fun, kind, hospitable, and extremely intelligent. We will all miss him. Courtney, we can only share a fragment of your grief, but know that we do. With love, Sandy & Bruce
Marny McCook
Courtney
I was so saddened to read that Gerard had passed away. I remember Gerard as a lover of all things artistic whether it be theatre, music or people. Bob felt a great connection to Gerard when they sang together as well as when they played bridge together. Bob and I both liked talking politics and Gerard was always ready to join us in conversation. Bob died in September and so I have an idea of what you are going through.
With my thoughts and love, Marny
Eveline McNeil (Page)
Reading the Citizen and saw Gérard ‘s beautiful smile and it instantly brought me back to our Non-Medical Use of Drugs days. I always enjoyed working with Gerard and told Ron D we had to keep him .. such a bright bilingual manager. He was a very special person indeed. For some reason, both of you and Carole P have been on my mind in the past year.
Wendy Sailman
I was so sad to learn of your sudden and great loss Courtney. Take care of yourself in the days ahead until spring comes and you can “see” Gerard in one of his gardens. All my sympathy. Wendy
Courtney my sincere condolences . Thank you for sharing the
Dear Courtney, my sincere condolences for your loss of Gerard. It is a privilege to read your memories of his remarkable life. You are in my thoughts.
Gail Harrod