Roland left us peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the boundless love of his family. He asked that we not weep for his passing, for he believed he had lived, he often said, the most beautiful life one could ever dream of. Yet his wife, Julie, his three children, Valérie, Gaëtane and Pierre, and his six grandchildren, Mathieu, Mélodie, Nicolas, Max, Morgane and Sarah, feel his absence with profound sorrow.
For this beautiful life, he was deeply grateful to his wife. Their mutual love never wavered, and Julie remained his tender companion for nearly 59 years. Together, they showed their children and grandchildren that love and gentleness can truly last a lifetime.
From a very young age, Roland inherited from his maternal grandfather a passion for mathematics. This early spark led him, after seven years of study at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and a fellowship from the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, to a brilliant international career as an actuary and business leader. His work took him to Brussels, where he was born, to Montreal and Paris, before he settled permanently in Ottawa, by far his favourite city.
Those fortunate enough to know him discovered a man of deep sincerity, unwavering principles, and an absolute intolerance for injustice. He never feared his own opinions and always spoke his mind. Hundreds of letters and articles bear witness to this.
A lover of history, especially that of New France, and of the French language, he possessed a graceful and compelling pen, which he devoted to the causes closest to his heart. The one to which he dedicated the most time was the defence of Franco-Ontarians.
His dedication was recognized through several honours: he was named a Knight of the Order of La Pléiade, Order of La Francophonie and of Cultural Dialogue, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and was awarded the Décarie-Marier Prize by the Franco-Ontarian Society of History and Genealogy.
Roland also cherished classical music and established, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, a scholarship for young francophone musicians living in minority communities.
He believed that a life is truly meaningful only if one strives each day to help someone or to contribute to one’s community. He loved this thought from Albert Einstein: “Try not to become a man of success. Try to become a man of value”. The best way to honour his memory would be to continue his fight against injustice and to show generosity toward others. A donation to the Montfort Hospital Foundation (Online gift – Fondation de l’Hôpital Montfort – Form) would also be appreciated.
His burial at Beechwood National Cemetery took place in the quiet intimacy he wished for.
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