Passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at the age of 78, following a decade-long battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Born in Cochrane, Ontario, he was the son of Gracia Barrette (née Girard) and Ludger Barrette. He is survived by his wife Madeleine Caron, his two children, Joël Barrette (Roberta) and Valérie Barrette (Brendan Sutton), his four grandchildren, Isabelle and Samuel Barrette and Émile and Toulouse Sutton as well as his sister Mionne Bradette (Raymond) and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister Lina Lefebvre, his brother Lucien Barrette, his sister-in-law Réjeanne Barrette (née Dupuis), his brother-in-law Hans Hietala and his niece Joëlle Granger.
He was a passionate man. His keen interest in gastronomy, politics, history, hockey and travel fueled many memorable moments and lively conversations. He was a devoted teacher and the hundreds of students who passed through Mr. Denis’ class will remember his commitment, his sense of humor and his creativity.
His family wishes to thank the staff members of St Patrick’s Home who have cared for Denis with utmost dedication throughout his stay at the residence, in particular Masa Yamanaka, Mary Grace Isais, Quinette Epelle, Chris Tejano, Sarah Watson and Beatriz Rodrigues. Special thanks to Elena Hillyard who greatly enhanced Denis’ quality of life over the last few years.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Carefor, a local charitable organization providing support services and respite care for individuals struggling with dementia, as well as their caregivers.
Digital Guestbook
Léonard Rivard
Colette Boyer
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Mes pensés vous accompagnent en ces moments difficiles .Bon courage.
Ann Comerford
La mort laisse une peine que personnel peut guerir.
L’amour laisse un souvenir que personne ne peut voler.
Alain Deschamps
Désolé pour votre perte a vous et votre famille.
Brigitte Cyr
Mes plus sincères condoléances, à toi, Madeleine, et aux tiens.
Gaetan Bélanger
C'est avec grand regret que je viens d'apprendre le décès de Den. Nous avons travaillé ensemble à l'école Laurier Carrière. Que d'excellents souvenirs je retiens des farces, des rires , de la passion pour la vie, son épouse et ses enfants. Je vous garde tous et toutes dans mes pensées et prières. Chère Madeleine (Maggie) je te souhaite mes plus sincères sympathies.
Martin Breaugh
Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Monsieur Barrette.
Sa grande humanité, sa gentillesse et le plaisir qu’il prenait à nous enseigner a marqué plusieurs à Georges-Étienne-Cartier. Je garde un souvenir heureux de cet homme remarquable et je me considère chanceux d’avoir pu le côtoyer.
Adieu Monsieur Barrette.
PP and Olivia
Passing on my warmest sympathies to Valerie and the extended family for your loss.
Manon Charette
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. My. Barette was my favorite grade school teacher. I was a very shy child and he encouraged me to make friends in class and encouraged all of us to be the best we can be. He is fondly remembered and will be greatly mourned. RIP
Matt Steinwald
My favorite teacher growing up. I was in his 8th grade class at GEC in 1987-88 and still remember his smile, his energy, his sense of humor, and his passion like it was yesterday. He handled our trouble-making with grace, patience and wisdom, allowing us to grow up and make mistakes in a safe space. And he held us accountable, but never treated us like kids. We all wanted to earn his approval because we liked him so much. Rest in Peace M. Barrette. Thank you for everything.
Cher Denis,
Merci d’avoir occupé une si grande place dans ma vie. Lors de notre séjour ensemble en 1977 en Afrique, nous avions parlé, échangé, et partagé nos préoccupations, nos souhaits et nos secrets tout en tissant une profonde amitié qui a duré toute une vie. Bien que tu as toujours vécu à Ottawa et moi à Winnipeg, nous avons pu conserver nos liens en renouvellant notre amitié lors de mes passages chez toi au cours des années. Je trouve ça difficile de te laisser aller, mais je sais que tu as enfin trouvé la paix. Je conserverai toujours de bons souvenirs de nos voyages en Afrique, Italie et Grande Bretagne, ainsi que mes nombreux passages à Ottawa. Amitié.
Sincères condoléances à Maggie et toute la famille pour cette grande perte. « Que la terre lui soit légère. »