It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Armand Benjamin Côté. Beloved husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was also a dear friend to many.
Armand was predeceased by his parents, Winnifred (née Neal) and Alexander, his siblings Laurie, Ivan, Marie Louise (Guertin), his first wife Lois (Dakins), and most sadly by his daughter Deidre Ridd (Kim).
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Anne (Beaudry); siblings Winnifred Gauer (Alex), June Wood (Eric) and Arthur (Lynn); his children with his first wife, Lois: Renée (Kendal), André (Deborah), Simone Stamm (Rick); his second wife Hannelore (Dreyer), and their son Dominique (Larissa), and son Jim from a past relationship. He is also survived by 11 wonderful grandchildren: Sean, Lauren, Carly (Patrick), Landon, Julie (Jonathan), Marc (Carolina), Nicole, Darby (Kevin), Katy (Justin), Alexander, and Marisa; seven incredible great grandchildren: Brandon (Kayla), Anika, Isabelle, Joelie, Summer, Sofia, and Daniel; and two joyous great-great grandchildren Aria and Kenzie. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Armand was most proud of his family. He celebrated their achievements and always stood by them during difficult times.
Armand was born in Winnipeg, and his childhood was profoundly shaped by tragedy. His mother passed away suddenly and his father suffered a massive heart attack, becoming bedridden, when he was a teenager. Realizing how important it was to help his family, he took on responsibilities well beyond his years by helping to keep up the household and leaving school early to go to work. His eldest sister, Marie Louise, played a strong maternal and stabilizing role in his life, which he credited with helping to keep him on the right path.
Though he left school early, his love of learning never stopped. He completed high school at night and went on to study at United College / University of Manitoba where he received his BA. During his career, he studied at the Harvard Business School completing the International Senior Management Program and at Concordia University where he worked toward an MBA. Through hard work, determination, and an ability to make everyone feel important, Armand rose quickly to senior executive leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry both nationally and internationally. He is remembered as a fair, kind boss who was generous with his time, knowledge, and encouragement.
Armand's early difficulties kindled in him a strong sense of compassion for those who suffer, whether human or in the natural world. Later in life, he channeled his energies into these causes through volunteer work and studies concentrating on issues of power in gender, nature, and society at University of Waterloo, followed by Carleton University in Ottawa, where he relocated permanently.
Handsome, charismatic, and highly intelligent, Armand was famous for his sense of fun, his amazing BBQ ribs, memorable parties, and engaging conversations. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
As he wished, a family gathering and burial will take place at a later date. We want to thank Dr. Jeff Hovey for his excellent care of Armand over the years, Dr Halliday for hers, many wonderful caregivers and Drs. Ali and Arget at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, who ensured that Armand passed away peacefully with Anne by his side.
Donations in memory of Armand can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Donate Now – The Council of Canadians.
Digital Guestbook
Ruth Biggar
Angela Christian
Dearest Anne ... a beautiful, touching, and fulsome commemoration of Armand's broad and impactful life. He will survive in the lives, and pursuits, of all those who loved and cherished him. Armand was blessed by your care, support, and devotion to him, throughout your lives together. Armand will forever be etched upon your heart ... Angie (Christian) (Donation completed to The Council of Canadians, on December 10, 2024)
Gerard Morris
Dear family and friends of Armand,
I send my sincere condolences at this delicate time. The loss of our dear Armand is a loss for our world family. The influence of his refined character and generosity of spirit remains with me as a delight and as a beacon of inspiration.
‘A few moments in the presence of the enlightened is worth a lifetime of hard work.’ is a quote that may apply here. For a precious, few months, as a ROSSS PSW, I visited Armand as we enjoyed his creative writing while diving deep into life and occasionally, chocolate ice cream. This joy was further enhanced by being within a home immersed in the mutual and respectful love swirling between Armand and Anne.
I wish you all the best.
Warm regards,
Gerard Morris
Manotick
Rosie Prud’Homme
Anne,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you often. Take care,
Anne Marie and David Lockhart
Dear Anne and family, we will always have fond memories of our time spent with you and Armand. He was a wonderful person and partner. Our condolences to you. Dave and Anne Marie.
Sandy and Rosie McNiece
Wonderful tribute Anne... He was, as you say so accurately, a fair, kind man and so generous with his time, knowledge and encouragement. We will always remember our deep and profound chats with Armand around the dinner or coffee table, very often about the state of the world! He was so blessed to have you by his side.
Danielle Emond
It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Armand. My condolences to his family. I know that he loved you all.
I met Armand more than 30 years ago when I was working at the Privy Council Office. He was indeed a brilliant, talented and creative man, charismatic, with a keen intellect and incredibly diverse interests.
Armand shared many of his beautiful writings with me and I had part of one of his poems, “Forty Blue Herons Empired the Sky”, illustrated by a very talented artist. This large, striking, Forty Blue Herons piece of art still lives in my house. That one piece alone captures the genius character of the man.
Armand loved nature and his cabin in the beautiful Eastern townships. Everything was simple and peaceful there. Despite his success, earned through hard work, he was not a materialist.
As I saw Armand again in the Byward market in Ottawa, a few years ago, I learned that he had had a stroke that, sadly, stole a part of who he was. Still, he had the strength to fight and live many more years with, I am certain, the support of those who loved him.
I believe that Armand’s strengths have allowed him to land in some other world and that he remains connected to his large family, and friends. He is finally free from pain and limitations. He can fly, like those Blue Herons I will cherish as long as I live.
Danielle Emond
Gatineau, Quebec
Timothy D. Andrade
my dear Anne,
I just learned from Margo about your dear Armand's passing. I so often think of you and the incredible energy and joy you brought to the VEU, and I still remember vividly that wonderful visit with you and Armand and his great renowned RIBS which were such a treat. Although late with my condolences, please be assured of my fondest greetings and heart felt sympathy and solidarity as you grieve. Shalom my dear Anne. Huge hugs from me and Michel. Timothy
Tanya Brien
Anne
Armand will always be remembered for his love of Chocolate Milkshakes and burgers!
He was a joy to serve and always had a smile on his face. We will miss his visits dearly.
Tanya and Isabelle
Dear Anne
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man from his beautiful wife