Michel Alyre Breau

At the age of 52, of Ottawa passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 29, 2024, at the Ottawa General Hospital. 

Michel grew up in Ottawa, but he was profoundly attached to Acadian and New Brunswick culture. He spent summers with family and friends in Tracadie, Upper-Sheila and St Leonard, N.B. His fondest memories were family trips to Fundy Park; spending time at his grandfather Breau’s camp on the Big Tracadie River and winning at Skip Bo while playing with his paternal grandmother. In St Leonard he, with his sister, found love, security and care from his maternal grandparents when his parents had to be away. This also introduced them to the unique way of life of the Madawaska region with its Buckwheat thin crêpes, and picking raspberries with his grandmother Caron.

Michel had a personality that lit up a room. His down to earth self, his willingness to always help, and always working with people and colleagues to solve problems. You were always guaranteed a good conversation and a laugh when talking with Michel. Michel was a people person through and through. He took pride in helping others, seeing others happy, and bringing a smile to peoples’ faces. He had a special way to successfully bring people together and solve problems in his work as a Condominium Manager. He applied the same skills as President of the Gloucester Centre Minor Hockey Association (GCMHA) and in all his business undertakings. 

Michel loved playing hockey from a young age and continued his involvement with the sport as an adult. He valued the opportunity to volunteer with minor hockey in the community and work with youth to help them develop their skills and grow their love of the sport. He was a dedicated volunteer with GCMHA for 12 years; a Board member for 10 of these years and President for the last 4 years. He was heavily involved in several initiatives to grow the programs offered within the community including the 4-on-4 program, and the hockey outreach program for children of Syrian refugees to Canada. He also piloted the GCMHA merger with Orleans Minor Hockey Association.

Outside of work and hockey, Michel had a love for vehicles. As a toddler he loved helping his grandfather drive the Payloader and racing hot wheels down the West Block hallways of Parliament while his father was in meetings or in his office. As a teenager he worked at a car dealership; and eventually owned his own car rental franchise and car detailing business. To this day, there are more cars than drivers parked in Michel’s driveway, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. And if he wasn’t behind the wheel of a car, going for a long relaxing drive, you could find him behind the wheel of his boat relaxing on the Ottawa River.

He is survived by his parents Herb and Anne (Caron); his son Matthew; his sister Hélène (Craig Cluney) and nephews Eric and Evan; his loving partner Ruthanne and children Sarah and Jackson; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Brunswick, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto and British Columbia who all loved him like their own. 

The family would like to thank the very competent, kind and wonderful staff at the Ottawa Cancer Clinic, as well as the 6^th floor of the General Hospital for their care and support for Michel and the family during his challenge of 4 years and 5 months managing a very aggressive form of cancer.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Friday. November 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Memories being shared at 5:00 p.m.

Donations can be made in Michel’s name to your local hockey youth development program or a youth sport development program of your choice.