In Memory of Dr. Jean Gérin-Lajoie
It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Jean Gérin-Lajoie announces his passing, on February 4th, 2021, at the Ottawa Hospital. Loving husband of Thérèse, dedicated father to Caroline (Guy Hébert); devoted grand-father to Philippe, Élise, Mathieu, as well as Alexandre and Isabelle Hébert. He is survived by his sister Denise (Paul), his brother Marc (Brigitte), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his father Gustave and his mother Therese. Predeceased by his brother Paul (Gabrielle) and sisters Michelle and Margot (Roberto).
Jean Gérin-Lajoie was born in Coaticook, Quebec. After completing his classical studies at the Sherbrook Seminary, he was admitted to Laval University in medicine. It was during his first years in medical school that he met his future wife Thérèse, a nursing student. Jean and Thérèse were wed in 1965 and moved to Montreal the following year to start a residency in Otorhinolaryngology. The young couple then moved to Ottawa with their daughter Caroline to complete residency training under the mentorship of Dr. Guy Laframboise, and to open his practice. Jean loved his medical career. For 38 years, he treated patients and taught medical trainees at the Ottawa Hospital and at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He was also Chief of Staff at the Ottawa General Hospital in the late 1980’s. As a physician, Jean was empathic, devoted, he appreciated his colleagues and was often referred to as a “true gentleman”.
Jean was very passionate about magic, tennis and music. For many years, he played a variety of musical instruments with the band ‘Prescription’. After 2002, and following his retirement from medicine in 2009, he devoted his time to his grand-children and spent a lot of time at his cottage.
Due to COVID-19, a small family gathering will be held on Friday, February 12th, at the Heritage Funeral Complex in Orleans. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus.
For those who wish to do so, donations to Doctors Without Borders would be greatly appreciated.
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