Member for

5 years
Submitted by benoit on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 07:45:AM

A first class family man and an esteemed member of the Canadian Armed Forces

On April 5, 2020, Marc Rouleau passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 54. Marc was thoughtful in his words and actions, always quick witted and he lived with intention and purpose. Most of all, he took unmeasurable pride in his family's team-like approach to life and unconditional love for one another. 

His legacy lives on through his wife and best friend Nathalie, his children Nicolas (Mary Anne), Alexa (Jean-Christian) and Michaël (Marina), his loving mother Diane (and late father Normand), his brother Mike, his mother-in-law Colette (and late father-in-law Roland), his brothers-in-law Guy (Jocelyne) and Denis (Paula), his nephews Kevin (Stéphanie), Jonathan (Sonia) and late Marc-Alexandre, his niece Annabelle (Dante) and his first grandchild. After being diagnosed with cancer, Marc's known resilience was exemplary and his desire to fight never wavered. 

A church service will be held at a later date in Orleans, Ontario for family and friends to celebrate Marc's life.  

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Eye Institute or the Canadian Cancer Society.

 

Un père d'exception et un membre estimé des Forces armées canadiennes

Le 5 avril 2020, Marc Rouleau s'est éteint paisiblement à sa demeure à l'âge de 54 ans. Marc était un homme réfléchi dans ses paroles et ses actions, vif d'esprit, et il a vécu sa vie avec intention et bienveillance. Sa plus grande fierté résidait dans le soutien mutuel et l'amour inconditionnel qui règne dans sa famille. Marc rayonnait en voyant sa femme et ses enfants s'épanouir dans leurs entreprises respectives. 

Son héritage se perpétue à travers sa femme et sa meilleure amie Nathalie, ses enfants Nicolas (Mary Anne), Alexa (Jean-Christian) et Michaël (Marina), sa mère Diane (feu Normand), son frère Mike, sa belle-mère Colette (feu Roland), ses beaux-frères Guy (Jocelyne) et Denis (Paula), ses neveux Kevin (Stéphanie), Jonathan (Sonia) et feu Marc-Alexandre, sa nièce Annabelle (Dante) et son premier petit-enfant. Après avoir été diagnostiqué d'un cancer, Marc a fait preuve d'une résilience remarquable et son désir de vivre n'a jamais faibli. 

Un service religieux aura lieu à une date ultérieure à Orléans, en Ontario, pour la famille et les amis afin de célébrer la vie de Marc.  

En guise de sympathie, un don à l'Institut de l’œil de l'Hôpital d'Ottawa ou à la Société canadienne du cancer serait grandement apprécié. 

 

Service Live Stream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzyLG4HGJNY

Digital Guestbook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 09:57:PM

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John Pfeffer

I am very sad and remain in disbelief that Marc is no longer with us. How a person so good and so full of life could be taken from us is an absolute mystery to me. Marc fought for life as hard as he could. He would have given anything for one more year, one more month with his beloved wife and family.
I have known Marc since we attended Collège Militaire Royal (CMR) in St-Jean, Québec back in 1982. We were roommates for one year. I feel very lucky to have known Marc and to have had the chance to maintain our relationship for so long. Definitely some good fortune there, as it was through Marc that I met my wife-to-be Josée in 1989; Josée being and remaining close friends since high school with Nathalie. I am so sad for Nathalie. Theirs was a match made in heaven – the perfect, complementing pair – two great and beautiful people. Among other things they gave the world three beautiful, intelligent, articulate children; Nicolas, Alexa and Michaël.
I've never met anyone like Marc. It's inconceivable that someone could be so into family, profession and sports all at the same time. That’s how Marc was; he neglected nothing. If you engaged him in any one of those areas you would think it was his sole passion and would wonder where he found the time for anything else.
In our last text exchange he wished me luck in an upcoming interview and I thanked him and said if only I possessed his level of dedication, preparation and commitment to excellence. Marc surely sought an extremely high level of excellence in everything he did. I can just think back to some of the key contracts he received from the Canadian Armed Forces after retiring. He would go and go and go, leaving no stone unturned in his research, project management and presentation. My one, now, unfortunate recollection is that he would selflessly push himself without regard to his own well being. I didn't think about that at the time because I thought him invincible.
Marc made a real difference in the world. I told him once or twice he should write his life story. He was too humble to consider that idea.
- Being an amazing dad, teaching his children all the right values, work ethic and how to do things the right way
- Coaching his children's sports – again keep in mind his commitment to excellence – I'm sure his kids thought his level of commitment was the norm at the time but it far surpassed that
- Accepting dangerous postings to Bosnia and Haiti to make the world a better place
- Helping here in Canada during the horrendous 1998 Quebec Ice Storm
When Marc was forced to transition from Artillery to Public Affairs owing to serious back issues he naturally excelled because that's what he did in everything.
I have many fond memories of Marc but lately I was thinking back to 1983 when we were on the Bol D'Or winning football team for CMR, winning the championship in McGill stadium. What a campaign. I played on defence but must now grudgingly admit that the offense, with Marc at tailback, wasn't half bad. Number 26 was a very smooth running back. I think we shared a similar outlook on the gridiron, avoiding contact if possible but relishing it otherwise.
One of my favourite stories about Marc stems from his childhood. He spent a relatively short period of time in Pakistan as a boy when his father was posted there. He grew to enjoy the local cuisine and of course made friends. Well flash forward 30+ years and Marc is doing a tour in Haiti. He comes across a Pakistani officer, none other than one of his playmates from so long ago. What are the odds?
I had the good fortune of meeting his wonderful father, Normand, in 1982 before his serious car accident. He came and did a presentation to the students of CMR.
Recollecting this makes me feel sad for Marc's lovely mother, Diane and his brother Mike. They too deserved to have Marc in their lives for much longer.
I wished all along I could have done something for Marc but he didn't need my blood, a kidney or anything I could have given him.
Cancer has no mercy. Let's do what we can to keep up the fight against it.
I'll never forget you brother. I look forward to seeing you again. We all miss you.

John Pfeffer, Josée, Sara and Nathan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/10/2020 - 01:18:PM

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Diane Rouleau

The passing of Marc is such a huge loss for the family! Nathalie has lost her husband and friend. Nic, Alexa and Michael have lost their Dad. Mike has lost his brother and I have lost my son who I miss dearly. Marc was an amazing man who was always there for me, and left us all way too soon at age 54. Thank you Nathalie for always being at Marc's side through this most difficult time, day and night. Marc's memories will help us stay strong. I love you and I will miss you every day. Love, Mom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 12:37:PM

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Bonnie McCarthy

To the Rouleau Family,

I don't know how to express how deeply sorry I am for the loss you are experiencing. Marc meant so much to so many, as a son, husband, father, bother, leader and friend. I have had the privilege of calling Marc a friend for over 20 years and will miss him very much, over years and distance, we kept in touch, shared mutual interests, laughs and more recently, sorrow. The tributes are such testament to Marc's character and the impact he had on those he touched over his lifetime. I have felt very fortunate to know this amazing family and like others, have a difficult time making sense of this profound loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I've included a poem below which reflects everything I want to say, better than I can...

How do you heal a grieving heart?
I do not know the way.
I do not have the hands to reach
Nor know the words to say.
How do you dare treat such a wound,
Put pressure at is core?
What if you tear it deeper still
And grieve them even more?
All of my words catch in my throat,
Fall dry and frail to cheer.
All I have left to give is this:
I am - and will be - here.

Love, Bonnie

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 08:04:PM

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Brittany and Phil Berenbeck

Marc was an amazing man, loved by so many. The love he had for his family that we could all see was inspiring. The amazing son he was to Aunt Diane was never unnoticed. We are sure Uncle Norman was there to welcome him to paradise.
We want to send all of our love and strength - now and in hard times ahead.
We look forward to hugging you all soon and celebrating Marc.
All our love,
Brittany, Phil, Will, Luxe and Eddie xo

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 10:00:AM

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Richard Leahy

As a younger high schooler at DDO there was no one better than Mark Rouleau to look up to.
He was just a nice guy and was always nice to me … which meant a lot … so when I heard he wasn't well it really shook me up.
I am really sorry to all his family … my deepest sympathies.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 08:17:PM

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Michlyn Pardy

All of our love and prayers are with Mike, Aunt Diane, Natalie, Nic, Alexa, and Mikey! Marc will always be remembered for his calm demeanour and kindness. We are thinking of you all and cannot wait to give you a hug! xoxo

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/26/2020 - 04:23:PM

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Brett Boudreau

Marc was a great friend and mentor to myself and so many others in the public affairs community. He was an example to us all in terms of ability, dedication, personal comportment, and of work-life balance. He leaves a proud legacy of family and work that will be treasured by all who knew him.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 09:34:AM

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Mark, Laura, James, Alex and Carroll Fuster

We were all so profoundly saddened to hear of Marc’s passing and our hearts go out to Nathalie, Nick, Alexa and Mikey at this most difficult time – our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marc was an incredibly kind and generous person; we are truly grateful for his steadfast and genuine friendship that started in sharing the ups and downs of our children’s lives and grew into something very special. Marc will be greatly missed, but lives on in the loving memories of his family and friends and in his children of whom he was so rightfully proud.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 08:56:PM

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Ken Murphy

To the Rouleau family, we offer our deepest sympathies for the loss of dear Marc. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 12:55:PM

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Steven Latreille

May he RIP knew Marc in Valcartier we share many sports laugh and music with also brother Mike ........JE ME SOUVIENS ???

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