It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Father Paul-Alain Monpas on October 2, 2024, at the age of 74. He was the son of the late Paul-Émile Monpas and Hélène Forget.
Paul Alain was born in Montreal on December 15, 1949, where he studied philosophy, theology and counselling. From 1971 to 1981, Paul Alain worked for the Quebec Provincial Correctional Service and Youth Protection as a counsellor for prisoners, young offenders and juvenile prostitutes. In 1981, he was ordained a priest in the Franciscan Order. He then continued his work as a counsellor, but with prisoners at the Bordeaux Detention Centre in Montreal.
In June 1986, Paul Alain made the leap to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and became a military chaplain. He served our valiant members of the CAF for twenty years. He was posted to CFB Gagetown, 4 Wing Cold Lake, CFB Kingston and 8 Wing Trenton. With his promotion to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 2000, Paul Alain was assigned to the 1st Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg as the senior chaplain, then ended his career at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, where he successively held the positions of senior chaplain for the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the CAF Health Care Services Group. He retired in 2006 to become Manager of the National Military Cemetery and Director of the Pastoral Support Programme for Veterans. With the abolition of the position in 2010, Paul Alain finally took a well-deserved retirement. He spent his winters in Mexico and his summers at his cottage enjoying his beloved garden.
Paul Alain was an exceptional man, always warm and welcoming. His sincere smile and kindness instantly put people at ease. He knew how to listen attentively, offering a space where everyone feels valued and respected. His love for others shone through in his manners whether it was a simple word of encouragement or an act of kindness. Never judgmental, he welcomed diversity with an open heart, creating a harmonious environment. His ability to connect with people, to share authentic moments, made him an unforgettable person who was deeply appreciated by all.
Friends are invited to gather and pay respects Friday October 18th at the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. after 12:30p.m. Garveside Service will be held at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at 2:00p.m. followed by a reception.
It is important to acknowledge the exceptional work of the staff at Ottawa's Stonemont Residence for their compassionate care during the final weeks of Paul Alain's life. For those who wish to offer expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the charity of your choice or to the Montfort Hospital Foundation in Ottawa would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Pierre et Jean-Yves
Serge Emond
Un ami depuis l'université, il y a 50 ans.
Nous avons vécu de grands moments ensembles.
Un homme au grand coeur !
Repose en paix. Nous nous reverrons.
Derrick Jensen
Almost 40 years we laughed, cried, shared in Our pain, Our triumphs, Our future, Our memories, Our families. I couldn't have asked for more. Susan ,Christopher,Michael, Tyler,and I will miss you dearly.
Ernie and Jean Jensen
We first met Alain when he was posted to,ST.Marys Chapel CFB Gagetown,enjoyed his many visits .RIP Dear Friend
Ray Vallée & Craig Keuleman
Dear Paul-Alain, you were a great friend and neighbour, we will miss you.
Rest in peace.
Sylvie Rouanet
Cher Paul-Alain,
Je te connaissais seulement depuis quelques années, principalement au Mexique. Tu as toujours été très chaleureux et gentil. Je t’en remercie. Prends un (ou deux lol ) cosmopolitains avec Robert et Gil. Repose en paix.
Michel Toupin & Robert Foley
Nous perdons un grand sage et un homme de qualité avant même l'ami que tu as été pour nous durant toutes nos années Mexicaines. Nous sommes contents de savoir que tu ne souffres plus et que de là-haut nous pourrons toujours compter sur ta douceur qui veillera, j'en suis sûr, sur nous. Dans nos plus beaux souvenirs, tu seras toujours!
Roger et Roger
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute sa famille et ses proches. Nous avons partagé de bons moments avec Paul-Alain principalement au Mexique. Nous en gardons de très bons souvenirs.
Paul Emond
Il à beni nos noces en 2003 il nous avait désigné chacun un nom la Colombe et la Gazelle Repose en paix. Partie rejoindre m'a Colombe
Chantal Durepos et Serge Dubé
Paul Alain les mots me manque, on s'est rencontrer 40 ans passés à la base militaire de Gagetown où tu nous faisais la messe en français le dimanche matin pour les jeunes francophones du camp Argonaut, aussitôt sortit de l'autobus tu m'informais que je devais faire la lecture... au fil des ans on a gardé le contact lorsque tu étais au Quartier Général en 2000, on se voyait souvent... De plus, tu as accepté de faire le renouvellement de nos voeux de mariage pour notre 25e...... après ta retraite on s'est rencontré au Mexique où on a trouvé un appartement dans le même complexe que toi, où on a passé beaucoup de temps ensemble, Noël, jour de l'an, pâques ainsi que nos fêtes... on s'est fait de la bonne bouffe... bien que tu vas nous manquer, tu dois maintenant te reposer après ton long combat avec le cancer... l'année prochaine on fêtera notre 40e sans toi mais tu seras dans notre coeur.. Repose en paix cher ami... 💋♥️
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute sa grande famille! Nous avons connu Paul-Alain pendant presque 10 ans, au Canada et au Mexique. Un être exceptionnel! Nous le manquerons beaucoup!