In Memory Of LEMIEUX John F.

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Visitation Information

Kane & Fetterly Funeral Home
5301 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec
July 19, 2017
18:00 - 21:00 /

Service Information

Loyola Chapel
7141 Sherbrooke st. West
Montreal, Quebec
July 20, 2017
15:30
Lemieux, John F.
1945-2017
Surrounded by his family, John F. Lemieux, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2017 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, after a courageous 19-year battle with multiple myeloma.
John was born in Montreal on May 11, 1945, son of Stanislas and Kathleen (nee Moran), and brother of Paul, Ann and Larry. He attended Loyola College, graduating with a BA in 1966. He often regaled his family with tales of his time as captain of the Loyola football team, and treasured the lifelong friends he made there. He chose to pursue a career in law, graduating from McGill University with a BCL and joining Byers Casgrain, now Dentons Canada LLP.
John loved the law, and was respected by his colleagues in the legal community. His areas of expertise were corporate and commercial law, with a particular focus on the defense, security and infrastructure sectors. Early in his practice, he acted as chief negotiator on behalf of the Northern Quebec Inuit for the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. His work with indigenous groups remained important to him throughout his life. His service as CEO and then President of a Swiss-based multinational defense systems manufacturer (now Rheinmetall Canada) provided him with many cherished experiences and lasting friendships around the world. Throughout his career and up until the last week of his illness, he was filled with energy and a sense of purpose in his work.
It was with his family that John found the most laughter, happiness and love. He is survived by his spouse Luce Gilbert, with whom he shared many special memories. He was a loving and encouraging father to his children, Jennifer (Clare), Kathryn (Navendu), Matthew and Alexandra. He had three grandchildren, Jocelyn, Ashley and Madison. John married his beloved wife Kristen Van Ausdal in 1986. They made their home in Senneville, QC, and shared many good times in their short years together. Kristen died too young of cancer in 1992, which was a terrible blow to John and their two young children.
Passionately committed to both humanitarian causes and community service, John will be remembered for his generosity and leadership. He was appointed to serve as Honorary Consul of the Government of Rwanda in Montréal in 2012. He was profoundly moved by his visits to Rwanda and dedicated his focused efforts and personal contributions towards supporting the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies.
John was a three-term member of the Board of Governors of Concordia University and chaired the committee overseeing Concordia’s planned growth on two campuses. He was especially proud to have received the Humberto Santos Award of Merit in 2012 for his contributions to his alma mater. A past Vice-President of the Loyola Alumni Association Board of Directors, he co-chaired a successful fundraising campaign to restore a campus legacy building, the Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre. He often shared stories about the special people that formed the core of his Concordia family. He was privately awed and inspired by their dedication, talents and unwavering drive to meet every challenge and surpass every goal.
A member and a long-time Director of the St. Patrick’s Society of Montréal, John was a past Chair of the Society’s Annual Patron’s Fund. He also had fond memories of celebrating significant family events at the University Club of Montréal, where he was a member and past President.
John’s brave defiance of his illness was best seen through his work as co-founder of Myeloma Canada. Refusing to sit on the sidelines hoping for a cure, he raised awareness, lobbied, fundraised and pushed forward new therapeutic options for all myeloma patients. For his fierce strength and the unexpected gift of years it gave to all of us, we are forever grateful. Thanks also to his dedicated team of medical professionals, who provided such compassionate care over many years.
Visitation will be held at the Kane & Fetterly funeral home, 5301 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC H3W 3C4 on Wednesday July 19 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Please join us for a celebration of John’s life at the Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 on Thursday, July 20 at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies at Concordia University would be appreciated.