Pierre passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved Barbara.
Pierre is survived by his wife Barbara Ursel, sisters Pierrette and Nicole, his adored nephews Willem (Kelly) Van Westerop and Stephane (Karen) Van Westerop, dear sister-in-law Nancy Ursel, as well as treasured friends and neighbours who were like family, and who will cherish his memory. Pierre was predeceased by his sister Carmen, niece Melissa Van Westerop, and parents Henri and Cécile Meunier (née Lagassé).
Pierre and Barbara met in their 50’s. Playing tennis. Whoever would have predicted it? They were both smitten, married in 2008 and stayed smitten to the very end. Pierre and Barb had an inseparable bond and brought infinite joy, love and fun to each other’s lives.
Pierre, a francophone kid who had never before studied in English, got his high school education in all boy-classes at St Joseph’s, an English speaking, largely Irish-Canadian private school. A character-building experience! After a few early post secondary educational missteps, Pierre graduated from Carleton University in 2006 (BA Law and Political Science), a degree that he worked hard for and achieved while employed full time. If only his father could have lived to see that. Pierre had a deeply satisfying career of public service spanning more than 32 years in the field of labour relations (after early forays into football, paper-making and house-building). He worked in occupational safety and health and public safety with the National Capital Commission before joining Labour Canada, working in Toronto, Moncton and mostly the National Capital Region in both operational and policy areas relating to health and safety. Pierre’s career made life safer for Canadians as he investigated workplaces to ensure that they were safe. This included the difficult task of investigating workplace injuries and fatalities. And he made lifelong friends amongst his Labour colleagues. But the Labour role that probably meant the most to Pierre, and that he spoke about most frequently in recent days, was his creation of the Aboriginal Labour Affairs Office. Pierre approached this work with humility and recognition of how much he had to learn. He was deeply appreciative of all who taught him, including elders, colleagues in the Labour program and across government, and those who invited him into sweat lodge ceremonies.
Pierre in a nutshell: Lifelong-learner; Good Samaritan to wild birds; the most loyal friend, husband, uncle and neighbour; Pierrette’s loving little brother; admirer and grower of roses; fierce advocate for what is right and just, and determined change-maker for what is not; adored son who used to bring his mother late-night take-out Chinese food; stickler for safety; extroverted; action-oriented and practical; possessor of the most wonderful laugh and smile; brave; compassionate; cycling affectionado; art-lover and Barb’s #1 fan and supporter in her art career; house-proud; car-crazy.
Pierre’s family, friends and all of the medical professionals who cared for Pierre knew him to be a determined fighter. He battled a rare cancer for over 3 years and bravely underwent multiple surgeries, treatments and procedures (and their countless complications) with the bravest spirit and an absolute determination to beat the disease. All because he loved his life and the people in it so very much.
It takes a village to fight a battle of this sort and Pierre was supported along the way by caring professionals at the Ottawa Hospital, the Toronto General Hospital, long-time family doctor Dr. Elizabeth Sawyers and Champlain Region Home & Community Care Support Services (including care coordinator Naomie Vumi and his wonderful home care nurse Katie from St. Elizabeth Healthcare). Pierre always took the time to let his caregivers know how important their work was and how much he appreciated them.
So many stepped up and provided the essential help (and love) to get Pierre and Barb through it all with as little pain and as many light moments, as possible. Recognizing that this list will inevitably contains egregious omissions, it will never be possible to thank the following people enough: Daphne, Linda and Tamra, Heather and Rob (who is missed every single day), Madeline and Ian (also dearly missed), John and Karen, Frank and Éliette, Nancy, and Willem and Kelly.
Finally, there are really no words to describe the superb care provided by the doctors, nurses, support workers, spiritual and social workers, administrators, occupational therapists and nutrition and food services personnel affiliated with the Palliative Care Unit at Saint-Vincent Hospital. When Pierre (and Barb) arrived there in November 2024 they knew they would be safe. Soon they grew to feel treasured as well. And so very supported. In March of 2025, when it became clear that even Pierre’s great fighting spirit could not overcome his disease, Dr Matt Yau helped Pierre transition with great dignity from fight mode to a place of peaceful appreciation of a life well-lived, with much love and so many accomplishments to be proud of. Dr Yau has decades of medical practice ahead of him but, even if he were to hang up his stethoscope tomorrow, his exceptional work with Pierre and Barb would be more than many people accomplish in a lifetime and we are eternally grateful to him.
In lieu of flowers, if you are able to make a donation in Pierre’s memory to the Palliative Care Unit of Saint-Vincent Hospital (Bruyère Health) it will be appreciated.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday March 19th at 1p.m. at Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa).
Digital Guestbook
Marylin Thomas
Gaetane Dagenais & Bob Clarke
Dear Barbara, it is with sadness that we learned of Pierre’s passing. He was a good neighbour and we will miss him. You have lived through Pierre’s illness with great courage. Our thoughts are with you through this difficult period in your life.
Carole Sheppard
Dear Barb, I am so sorry to learn of Pierre's passing. He was an enthusiastic supporter of your artwork. It was a pleasure to be in his company. I'm glad you found one another.
Gordon Clark
Barbara, I was very sorry to hear of Pierre's passing after a valiant struggle for the last 3 years. Pierre was a consummate gentleman with a tremendous personality and a infectious smile. I will miss him but was pleased to be able to call him a good friend for many years. My sincere condolences go out to you and the rest of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Garry J Malloy
Rest in peace my friend.
Eddie Baroud
Very sad news … so sorry for your loss. What a fighter Pierre was. May he rest in peace.
Eva Karpinski
C'est une nouvelle bouleversante. Pierre était un homme très positif, plein d'énergie et toujours prêt à donner des conseils, que ce soit au travail ou dans sa vie personnelle. C'était un collègue formidable. Mes sincères condoléances à Barbara et à sa famille, ainsi qu'à ses nombreux amis qu'il n'a jamais déçus,
Eva Karpinski
Lise Berthelotte Foy
I was saddened to hear of Pierre’s passing, and I wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you Barb and your family. Though it has been some time since I last saw him, I have always remembered him with great respect and admiration. He was an inspiration in the workplace at Labour Canada, leading with integrity, kindness, and a strong sense of dedication.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
With heartfelt condolences
Caroline Cyr
C’est avec tristesse que j’ai appris du décès de Pierre, un ancien collègue que j’appréciais énormément pour ses valeurs, son intégrité, et son sens d’humour. Ces souvenirs vivront dans le cœur de tous ceux et celles qu’il a côtoyé au cours de sa carrière, y compris moi! Toutes mes condoléances pour Barb, la famille et les amis qui laissent derrière. Vous êtes riches de ce qu’il vous a donné au cours de sa vie!
Mahjabeen Fatima ( ashee)
Dear Mr Pierre,
It’s hard to put into words the sadness I feel with your passing . Your presence in our lives was a true blessing, and I will always cherish the memories we shared. You were not just a neighbor; you were a true friend ( like family ) and well-wisher who genuinely wanted to see my family and me succeed in Canada. Your encouragement and guidance , alongside Barbara , have been invaluable to us .
I will forever remember the joy on your face as you listened to Mishaal and Hamza's never-ending stories. Your positivity, even during your illness, was inspiring, and it taught us all to face challenges with a smile. You welcomed us into this new country with open arms and taught my children the Canadian way of life, which they will carry with them always.
We will miss you dearly, and you will remain in our hearts forever. Barbara, please know that we are here for you, and we will always cherish the legacy of kindness and support you both have given us.
With love,
Ashee, Salman, Mishaal,Hamza.
Lovingly remembered by his family and friends.