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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 Wed, 04/08/2020 - 04:17:PM

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Sue and Adam Gray

Having served under Marc's leadership in the PA branch (Sue) and spent many hours on the parade square with Marc at RMC (Adam), we are both so saddened to hear this tragic news. Marc was not only an exceptional family man who always spoke highly of Nathalie and his kids, but was an exceptional officer, mentor and humble human being. We send our deepest condolences and wish all the Rouleau family comfort during this time of great pain.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 04:21:PM

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Doug Gallant

So sorry for your loss. I haven’t seem Marc since we were kids in Valcartier. My sincere condolences to the entire Rouleau family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 04:38:PM

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Andre Caron

My condolences to his friends and family. I had the honor of being a classmate and squadron mate of this gentleman. Marc's kindness and outstanding leadership still impacts me 35 years later. You will forever live in the many people you touched. It was a privilege to share the same parade square we call life. Verite, Devoir, Vaillance.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 04:48:PM

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Maj (ret) Louis Boily

J’ai eu le privilège de servir avec Marc au Cinquième régiment de même qu’au SQFT alors qu’il était officier des affaires publiques du secteur. Un officier exceptionnel à tous les points de vue. À Madame Rouleau, Nathalie et Mike, de même qu’à tous les membres de la famille Rouleau, j’aimerais vous manifester mes plus sincères condoléances en ces moments difficiles.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 04:52:PM

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Angèle Amyot

J'offre mes plus sincères condoléances ma belle Alexa ainsi qu'à toute ta famille. Mes pensées les plus sincères vous accompagnent également.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 05:01:PM

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Steve Manny

I am sad today. We have lost a great man, husband, dad, and also a great soldier. My deeply condolences to all the family and friends. Farewell Col Rouleau.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 05:11:PM

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André Harvey

Suzie et moi sommes très attristés par l’annonce du décès de Marc. Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à Nathalie, les enfants, Diane, Mike, et toute la famille Rouleau élargie. Marc était facile à apprécier, un officier d’artillerie hors-pair que le Cinquième a dû laisser partir pour une nouvelle carrière fructueuse aux affaires publiques. Il était regretté déjà à ce moment, il le sera désormais encore davantage. Bon courage à la famille pour la suite. REPOS À VOLONTÉ

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 05:17:PM

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Lucie Blackburn

Mes plus sincères condoléances à Mike, Mme Rouleau, à l’épouse et aux enfants de Marc. Maintenant de là où il se trouve, il veillera sur vous tous.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 06:50:PM

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Brigadier-General Jay Janzen

Colonel Marc remains among the most esteemed officers ever to serve in the Public Affairs Branch. Early in his career, he distinguished himself as a PAO who delivered operational results for commanders, most notably during a UN deployment in 1993 in the Balkans. Colonel Marc found himself immersed in combat conditions during the events of the Medak Pocket in September 1993, during which time he acquitted himself with honour both as an officer and as a military communicator.

Later in his career he was instrumental in creating and establishing the Defence Public Affairs Learning Centre, a major milestone in our Branch’s history. Canadian PAOs and Image Techs are widely recognized by our allies as among the world’s best, much of which can be attributed to Marc’s vision of excellence that is enshrined at our school. It is fitting that the annual trophy for top candidate on the Basic PAO Course was donated by, and named in honour of Colonel Rouleau. Marc also led an occupational analysis that led to the eventual addition of the Imagery Technician trade to the PA Branch. This review also set into motion several other significant initiatives that have positioned the Branch with its unique opportunity to operationalize today. Our Branch stands upon Colonel Marc’s shoulders in 2020.

Marc rose through the ranks faster than virtually every other PAO on record due to his unparalleled intellect, operational credibility, detailed planning skills, and boundless determination. Despite his rapid advancement, he was admired and respected by the commanders he worked for and the PAOs and Imagery Technicians he led. He concluded his career as the Director of Public Affairs Operations and the senior serving Public Affairs Officer in the CAF. He was inducted as an Officer in the Order of Military Merit for his outstanding contributions to the Canadian Armed Forces.

The above list of professional accomplishments is far from complete. I will remember Marc most for the role he played early in my career as a mentor. I was drawn to his leadership and professionalism, and have sought (unsuccessfully) to emulate his example. In the last few years I continued to seek his advice, which he graciously provided, along with his friendship.

Colonel Marc was always a rock, but his courage and resolve during the last few months of his life were both an inspiration and a true testimony to his character. I'm going to miss him terribly. To the entire Rouleau family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be forever grateful for the role Marc played in my life. I will not forget him, and I know the Canadian Armed Forces Public Affairs Branch will not either. Veritas!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 07:03:PM

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Fred and Diane Gallant

We are so saddened to hear that Marc has passed away, especially at such a young age. God must have a good reason. Our heartfelt sympathy to you Nathalie and Family, Diane and Mike on your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you. Fred and Diane Gallant

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