Eric Archambault passed away peacefully at home on May 25th surrounded by his beloved family including his wife Paula (nee Walker), daughter Jennifer Lawrence (Scott Emmons), son Robert Lawrence, and his adorable baby grand-daughter Meredith Lawrence-Emmons. He will be dearly missed by his brother-in-law Michael Walker and his wife Malika, and his nephew Christoper (Gabrielle) and niece Maria (Anthony).
Eric was born in Montreal in 1964 and was predeceased by his loving parents Dr. Raymond Archambault and Yvette Mallette. He was an avid cyclist and racewalker, and passionate about the arts and supporting his local community.
Eric graduated from Carleton University in 1988 and went on to complete graduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills Michigan in 1994. He worked for a variety of architectural firms including Montreal based Shulim Rubin architecte, and Ottawa based Gary Stunden Architect, Lemay, Dorval, Fortin, Doyle Architects, and Griffiths Rankin Cook Architects, before finding his true passion as a teacher.
His love of teaching allowed him to experience art and culture across the world and he spent several years teaching in Finland as a guest lecturer at the Lahti Polytechnic Institute of Technology and the University of Oulu Dept. of Architecture. He returned home to Ottawa and completed his career as an Adjunct Professor and Sessional Lecturer at Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University where he taught for the past 20 years.
Eric’s life was defined less by his work and more by his gentle character and the relationships he had with his friends, colleagues, students, and most importantly, his family. Eric was a step-father only in legal terms, having raised, nurtured and loved his children Jen and Rob from ages 6 and 2 respectively. He was a devoted and loving father who focused on family first. Paula and Eric met in Toronto and eventually settled in Ottawa where they were blessed with an ordinary life of simple pleasures, and an extraordinary life of deep love for each other.
Eric’s illness came as a complete shock to the family and throughout his 5 year cancer journey he provided lessons in hope, positivity and resilience that will stay with his loved ones forever. Perhaps because of his architectural training, Eric found a way to make hope fit into a space that others wouldn’t have thought possible. His love for his family sustained and defined him. When he became a very proud Popi in September his determination to live was renewed because of his immense love for baby Meredith. We were and will always be very proud of him.
He will forever be in our hearts.
Bon soir
Bonne nuit
Beaux rêves mon amour
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, June 12th at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) from 1-3pm
Digital Guestbook
Raymonde Gravel
Philip Rose
My condolences. I always enjoyed chatting with Eric. He was thoughtful and supportive. Very glad to have known him.
Liz Barron
Such a thoughtful man. Condolences to you and your family.
Mark MacGuigan
Eric's sly grin will live in my heart forever, the grin he had before he'd hit us with a clever line. So many good times!
Love to Paula, Jenny, Rob, Scott, and the
rest of your family.
Maria (nee Walker) and Antonio Mallone
Dearest Uncle Eric.
You will be missed, thank you for always sharing your wonderful, thoughts stories, and heart with others. I have many wonderful memories of you while Christopher and I were growing up. You were a wonderful father to my cousins Jen and Rob and a great Popi to Meredith. Most importantly thank you for making my Auntie Paula the happiest woman in the world. Im glad you got to meet my husband Anthony as well! He always enjoyed your conversations. Love you forever you’re always in my heart
Maria and Anthony
Jill Nimmo
Paula my heart goes out to you and your family, thinking of you during this difficult time.
John Cook
Lovely description . Eric was a wonderful friend .
Marigold Edwards
What a beautiful, loving, well-written tribute. Eric was a very special man and I'm so happy to have known him. Sending much love and comfort to friends and family during this difficult time as you navigate the grieving process.
Helen Waring
Paula and family. I am so sorry to read of your loss. My fullest sympathies are with you all.
Donna Walker-Shukaris
He was a beautiful, kind, and gentle soul. It was so special Paula when you first met him and your love for each other blossomed from Toronto to Ottawa. He will be missed but never forgotten. He will be with you all as he was a blessing in your lives and now you have an angel watching over you. Love and hugs to my dear family. Auntie Donna xxx
So sorry for your loss to you and your family / Tellement désolée pour votre perte pour vous et votre famille. RIP Eric!