Following a very brief and virulent battle with cancer, Louis Michael Tenace passed away in Ottawa on November 12, 2023. Beloved husband of 62 years to Michèle (Gaudreau), loving father to Lisa and Michael (Lynne), and dear Nonno to granddaughter Arianne.
Louis’ career was closely tied to the field of negotiation, and he did so from all sides, first as president of the Cornwall branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, then as Superintendent of Personnel for the Ottawa Board of Education. He moved to Treasury Board as its Deputy Secretary of Collective Bargaining and went on to accept an appointment as Vice-Chair of the former federal Public Service Staff Relations Board. Once retired, he continued to work as an arbitrator for the province of Ontario until the age of 78.
Louis took his family on frequent ski, camping and fishing trips, and skied mountains around the world with a trio of good friends; but his greatest travel partner was Michèle, with whom he visited almost 90 countries. They also wintered down south for greater than twenty years.
An accomplished pianist, handyman and amateur chef, Louis also maintained an avid interest in current affairs and politics. In retirement, he devoured books on history, political science and geography, with biographies and WW2 among his favourites.
Louis had a strong and fearless personality; his love of family was fierce, and he valued loyalty, honour, and being a man of his word. His presence will be greatly missed by all those close to him.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) for a Visitation on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. until the time of service in Beechwood’s Sacred Space at 10 a.m. Please make a donation in Louis’ memory to the charity of your choice. To register for the livestream, please click the tab above.
Digital Guestbook
Ron and Nicole
Diane Tille
Michele, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you, Lisa and Michael.
I have so many great memories of Louis that will be always remembered.
Love,
Diane
Marie Chrétien et Claude Simard
Chère Michelle,
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toi et à ta famille. Nous gardons de Louis le souvenir d’un homme ferme, convaincu et possédant un grand sens de l’humour.
George, Hana and Peter Vondracek
'Dear Michele, we haven been grieving with you. Lisa and Michael and be shall feeling the pain of Louis' sudden departure for years. . Our family had the privilege of enjoying Louis' friendship for over a half century; so lucky having shared his company with you, while plying bridge,
visiting both cottages, listening to his playing piano, dining, laughing, skiing, listening to his stories about your travels and many other activities that filled our great friendship. We shall never forget Louis. With deep sympathy, Yours George, Hana and Peter
Yours
with sympathy
Julie Dagenais
Michèle, Lisa et Mike,
Je vous offre mes sincères condoléances. Louis était un homme intelligent et talenteux. I will always remember him for his laugh, his downhill skiing and his awesome piano playing. Sending you lots of hugs in your time of loss.
Marc Dagenais
Dear Michele, Lisa and Michael,
My deepest condolences on Louis passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. He was truly an amazing human being, he will sorely be missed.
Famille Comeau
Nous sommes désolés d’apprendre le départ de Louis. Il laissera un grand vide. C’est grâce à Louis et Michèle que nous avons un chalet familial chéri au lac Bernard.
Que les beaux souvenirs que vous avez de lui, vous soutiennent dans ces moments difficiles.
À toute la famille Tenace, nous offrons nos sincères sympathies.
Winifred Platt
My sincerest condolences, Michelle to you and your family. Louis always with a smile and a sense of humour.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hana called and told me.
Janet Lamoureux
So many things we will miss about Louis-the psssionate discussions, his love of cooking, singing off key while he played the piano so beautifully, losing to him at Trivia, but most of all his big warm bear hugs. Rest in peace , dear friend. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Norman Collette, Huguette St Jean Paquette
Nos condoléances à toi Michéle et à Lisa et Michael .
Louis nous manque beaucoup.
Nous sommes là pour vous!
So sad to lose our good friend Louis. We shall always remember our trips together with Michele, all over Europe and back here in Canada.