In Memory of Eugène Bellemare
Former Member of Parliament
Passed away peacefully in Ottawa on July 6, 2018 at the age of 86. Born on April 6, 1932 in Ottawa, the son of the late Chief Warrant Officer Lucien Bellemare and the late Claire (née Brousseau). Husband of the late Roberte Gauthier. Cherished father of Liette (Louis Savoie), Michel (Nathalie Tremblay), Martine and Josée (Gary Fast). Brother of the late Georges (the late Hélène Nantel) and the late Jules. Grandfather of Philippe Savoie, Dr. Valérie Savoie (Mathieu Soucie), Dr. Gabrielle Savoie; Étienne, Pascale and Véronique Bellemare; Rachel and Matthew Fast. Great-grandfather of Jade Soucie.
A graduate of the University of Ottawa, B.A., M Ed (Admin) and the University of Toronto, B.Ed. (Ontario College of Education). He also attended the Ontario College of Art. He was a teacher at North Park Collegiate in Brantford, Ontario then at Nepean High School before becoming the Coordinator of continuing education for the French speaking community of Ottawa-Rockcliffe-Vanier at the former Ottawa Board of Education. Founded L’École des adultes Le Carefour, the first francophone adult day school outside Québec.
Dedicated 35 years of his life to his community as an elected official. He first served as school trustee (1964), as Township and City Councillor in Gloucester (1970-1988), as Regional Councillor in Ottawa-Carleton (1979-1985), and as a Member of Parliament in Carleton-Gloucester, renamed Ottawa-Orléans (1988-2004).
He served on various boards and committees in Ottawa including the first Ottawa Congress Centre and the former Ottawa Regional Hospital Planning Board and as Vice-Chair of the former Caisse Populaire Laurier. He was also a member of Le Club Richelieu Vanier-Laurier. He had a passion for art, caricatures and oil painting in his spare time. In Parliament, he served on various committees, including as Vice-Chair of the Industry Committee, as a Member of the Official Languages Committee, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation (CIDA).
The family will receive relatives and friends at Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd., Orléans, on Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A religious ceremony will follow in the Heritage Chapel at 11 a.m. Condolences may be addressed at: www.heritagefh.ca
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