It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Henri S. Giasson announces his passing on December 8, 2021, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 1, 1943, he was the son of the late Albert and Jacqueline (Robillard) Giasson.
Henri was a very passionate person which was evident through how he lived his life and how he treated his optometry patients and staff. His many patients often comment to his family on how they missed him after his retirement in 2001. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and exploring nature on foot, boat, ATV, and truck. He was an adventurer, driving and camping across Canada with his sons in their VW bus. Accompanied by his wife, he drove to Alaska in their VW Westfalia as well as many other North American road trips exploring virtually every state, province and territory and spending a winter in the Arizona desert in their RV. They also sailed from Fredericton to the Bahamas in their sailboat. He drove across Newfoundland on ATV, cycled across Holland with his good friend André. Henri also loved animals and began his university education in veterinary school before moving onto optometry at the University de Montreal. He raised championship winning beagles and racing pigeons. He also raised canaries, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, goats and horses. He was never without a dog by his side. He “enjoyed” keeping up with technology. He loved his extended family very much and was passionate about their educational pursuits and following their lives from a distance through social media.
Henri is survived by his wife Monique Jeanne Therese (Seers); sons Jose Eric and Pascal Andre; grandchildren Marie-Sophie, Eliane Rachelle, Camille Raphaelle, Mischa Marie and Maxim Andre; great grandchildren Mila and Louca; siblings Jacqueline and Gilles, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Henri was predeceased by his sister Sylvie.
His family would like to thank all the staff at the DECH from the friendly and companionate screeners at the front door, to the staff on 3SW, and all the doctors that took care of him and answered our many questions. He was teasing them even with his last breath as he left us surrounded by his family.
There will be no services at this time, but a celebration of his life will be held by his family in 2022. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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C’est avec une grande tristesse que la famille du Dr Henri S. Giasson annonce son décès le 8 décembre 2021, à l’hôpital Dr Everett Chalmers. Né à Montréal, au Québec, le 1er mai 1943, il était le fils de feu Albert et Jacqueline (Robillard) Giasson.
Henri était une personne très passionnée, ce qui était évident dans sa façon de vivre sa vie et de traiter ses patients et son personnel en optométrie. Ses nombreux patients ont souvent dit à sa famille combien il leur manquait après sa retraite en 2001. Il était un fervent amateur de plein air, aimant chasser, pêcher et explorer la nature à pied, en bateau, en VTT et en camion. C’était un aventurier, qui traversait le Canada en voiture et en camping avec ses fils dans leur bus VW. Accompagné de sa femme, il s’est rendu en Alaska dans leur VW Westfalia et a fait de nombreux autres voyages en Amérique du Nord, explorant pratiquement tous les États, provinces et territoires et passant un hiver dans le désert de l’Arizona dans leur VR. Ils ont également navigué de Fredericton aux Bahamas à bord de leur voilier. Il a traversé Terre-Neuve en VTT et a traversé la Hollande à vélo avec son bon ami André. Henri aimait aussi les animaux et a commencé ses études universitaires à l’école vétérinaire avant de passer à l’optométrie à l’Université de Montréal. Il a élevé des beagles gagnants de championnats et des pigeons de course. Il a également élevé des canaris, des lapins, des poulets, des canards, des oies, des chèvres et des chevaux. Il n’était jamais sans un chien à ses côtés. Il aimait se tenir au courant de la technologie. Il aimait beaucoup sa famille élargie et se passionnait pour leurs études et suivait leur vie à distance grâce aux médias sociaux.
Henri laisse dans le deuil son épouse Monique Jeanne Thérèse (Seers) ; ses fils José Eric et Pascal André ; ses petits-enfants Marie-Sophie, Eliane Rachelle, Camille Raphaelle, Mischa Marie et Maxim André ; ses arrière-petits-enfants Mila et Louca ; ses frères et sœurs Jacqueline et Gilles, ainsi que plusieurs nièces, neveux et cousins.
En plus de ses parents, Henri a été précédé dans la tombe par sa sœur Sylvie.
Sa famille tient à remercier tout le personnel du DECH, des préposés à l’accueil, au personnel du 3SW, et tous les médecins qui ont pris soin de lui et répondu à nos nombreuses questions. Il les taquinait même dans son dernier souffle alors qu’il nous quittait entouré de sa famille.
Il n’y aura pas de service religieux pour le moment, mais une célébration de sa vie sera organisée par sa famille en 2022. Pour ceux qui le souhaitent, des dons commémoratifs peuvent être faits à une œuvre de charité de leur choix.
www.moderncremation.ca
Ken Eagle says
Henri was a great guy leaving me with fond memories from years ago when he loved to chase his beagles through the alders and fir thickets. With his friend Al Cocci and I among others we were the scourge of the local snowshoe hare population. He stopped in my office at the Fish and Wildlife branch years ago to tell me that his boy Pascal had applied for a position there and got it. He wanted me to know how much I would enjoy working with Pascal and what a fine young man he was. He was proud of his boy and rightfully so as Pascal was everything his dad said he was and I have always enjoyed him. I guess he has good roots, eh? To all the Giassons I am so sorry for your loss but we can revel in the memories of the good times with that wonderful man.
Ken Eagle
Jose Giasson says
Thank you for those kind words and sharing some memories. We certainly did eat a lot of hares growing up thanks in part to dads friends, such as yourself.
José
Monique says
thank you very much for your condolences , they were appreciated . Monique
Janice says
Pascal, Jose, Monique,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of dear Henri. He was a character in his own right and will be sadly missed. Love
Janice Giasson💜
Jose Giasson says
Thank you Janice
James Hiscock says
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my good friend, Henri. I first met Henri in 1979 when I was just starting to get involved in the sport of field trial beagling. Someone had suggested that Henri might have a good dog he might be willing to sell and so I called him and asked the question, to which he replied, “Let me put it this way, if I don’t want him, you don’t want him” In the beagling world that means, ” He doesn’t get the job done.” I found out later that Henri didn’t sell dogs. If he wanted you to have it, he gave it to you.
And so our friendship started. We hunted together for the first time that year and continued to do so as long as Henri’s health would allow him, the last time being about three years ago. Henri was a man of integrity, and he was honest always. Henri loved his dogs, his horses, his birds and everything natural in the great outdoors, but he loved his family most of all.
I am so thankful to have been able to call him my friend and I will miss him always. I will miss the hours sitting in his living room talking about past hunts, good dogs and anythjng that called the forest home. I will miss sitting at lunch with him and Monique to enjoy good food, good company and warm friedship. Certainly it is the only house I would show up at 11:30 am in the morning, knowing I would be there at lunchtime. Thank you, Monique, for your patience and hospitality. We will remain friends. My condolences to you, Pascal, Joses, and the rest of your family on the lost of one you loved so dearly. I share your sorrow today.
Jose Giasson says
James, thank you for sharing, it is good to remember those days and hear about those that enjoyed what really counts in life.
Monique says
thank you Jim, he really enjoyed your trips in the wood and your company.
Thank you for your friendship
Joe and Rosemary Ragusa says
Our sympathies to you Monique and to your family. We have wonderful memories of our winters in South Carolina being your neighbors. God Bless. Joe and Rosemary
Jose Giasson says
Thank you to the both of you. I know my parents allways enjoyed your visits and presence while they were there.
Monique says
thank you very much he really enjoyed your company in Sandy Beach
especially shopping around and laughing a lot.
Raymond Daigle says
Chère Monique: désolé d’apprendre le décès d’Henri. Mes plus sincères condoléances. Bon courage.
Monique Giasson says
Merci beaucoup pour tes condoleances,elles furent appreciees
Monique
Rod Pickles says
Our sympathy on the passing of Henri. We remember the “stuff” he had to cater for his many interests including the Westfalia and pigeon huts. He was a jovial and critical sailor who we enjoyed having aboard on Grand Lake races. Until recently, while he was still active it was reassuring to hear him firing up his toys, mowing the lawn or a while ago snowblowing.
We will miss you Henri.
Jean & Rod
Cécile Ouellet says
Mes sympathies les plus sincères Monique et famille. Que les beaux souvenirs et les évènements heureux viennent apaiser cette séparation ! Oui, il était un excellent optométriste.
Monique Giasson says
Merci beaucoup surtout d’avoir de bonnes pensees pour lui
Dale Dickinson says
My condolences to Monique and the family. I have nothing but fond memories of the time I spent living there as a tenant many years ago. Such a great guy with all his interests and hobbies. A real professional as well. Dale and Lucienne Dickinson
Monique Giasson says
Thank you for keeping good memories of him and tell me about it .It help me
Maurice Bouchard says
Nos sincères sympathies Monique et toute la famille. Je n’ai que des très bons souvenirs d’Henri. Je me rappellerai toujours de la fois où nous avons renversé en canot dans la rivière Sevogole près de Blackville. Henri était à l’arrière du canot avec sa belle caméra 35 mm accrochée
à son cou. Alors je n’ai jamais reçu de photos.
Bien d’autres souvenirs d’Henri et aussi Monique.
Bon courage à Monique et famille.
Maurice Bouchard & Cécile Babineau
Monique Giasson says
Merci beaucoup vous deux ,j’apprecie votre sympathie
Peter Kepros says
Monique and family,
It was with much sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend,
Henri. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. While Henri’s departure will leave a blank in my life, his memory will be eternal.
Monique Giasson says
Thank you Peter,I know that you two were connected with the computer …our will miss you… thank you again
Linda Washburn says
It was with a very heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Henri. I had the absolute pleasure of working for him for 15 years and the compassion and caring he showed his staff is unmeasured. He truly had a heart of gold. I remember a certain party that was being enjoyed by all of us quickly turning into a sea of tears when he surprised us by announcing his upcoming retirement. Monique, Pascal and Jose, please accept my deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Linda (Green) Washburn.
Monique Giasson says
Thank you very much,I told the boys about your condolences .They appreciated, me too ,thank you again
Edith Theriault says
Mes sincères condoléances Monique, Jose, Pascal et toute la famille. C’est une immense perte pour vous tous.
Monique Giasson says
toute la famille sait que tu nous comprends.Merci Monique
Dora et Alban Martin says
Monique, José , Pascal,
C’ est avec tristesse que nous apprenions le décès de Henri. Nous gardons de bons souvenirs de lui et vous souhaitons bon courage dans cette dure épreuve.
Dora et Alban Martin
Monique Giasson says
Merci beaucoup c’est bien apprecie
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup de votre compassion Monique
Sheila Grondin-Lyons says
Rocky and I were so sorry to hear of Henri’s passing. I will always remember our mutual love of animals and nature. Growing up I knew whenever we visited your house there would always be something special to see and learn. From Beagle and Rottweiler pups to pigeons and raising African violets. (I can’t forget wonderful and cheese loving Flash)You brought me my first pet when I moved out on my own, my Siamese kitty Buddy. Thank you Henri for all these memories.
Monique, Jose and Pascal you have our deepest sympathy. Lots of love and hugs during this sad time.
Sheila and Rocky
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup de votre compassion Monique
Deidre Grondin says
Dear Monique, Jose and Pascal , Con and I send you our deepest sympathy on the passing of Henri. We know that this is a painful time for you and we hope that the wonderful memories you have of Henri will bring you comfort.
Dee & Con
Monique Giasson says
Thank you very much for your compassion
Lyne Paquet says
Mes p,us sincères sympathies Monique et famille. Moment difficile à la perte d’une personne chère. Mes pensées sont avec vous .
Lyne Paquet
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup c’est tres apprecie
Marc-Antoine Demers says
Toutes nos sincères condoléances à Monique, Pascal, José et toute la famille. Nous vous souhaitons bon courage dans cette dure épreuve.
Marc-Antoine et Antoinette
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup c’est gentil d’avoir pense a moi
Michele Flarow says
Dear Monique and family. I always admired Henri for his “head on” approach to life which resulted in a very full life, well lived! I also enjoyed his sense of humor and his dry wit. Loved by many and will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathies, Michele Flarow
Dr. Michael Naugle says
My condolences to your family. Henri was my optometrist growing up as I started seeing him in grade 3 with the onset of my myopia. He fit me with my first contact lenses in grade 11. He was one the reasons I chose to go into Optometry and I have had a 30 year career to look back on. He was supportive of me and he always seemed so level and engaged when we spoke. My heart is with you all and fond memories of him.
Monique Giasson says
thank you ,I glad that you have good memories of him…
Retta and Robert Flowers says
So sorry to read of the passing of Henri. My husband Robert and I met Henri and Monique at Toronto General Hospital in June of 2012, Henri was heading home to Fredericton after having received his gift of lungs, and I had arrived in May to wait for my gift of life, a new set of lungs. Henri and Monique were so sweet and giving. They gave me Henri’s walker, which I then required. After offering money for same, they told us that it was not necessary and asked if when I was done with the walker, I would give it to someone else who might need it. Of course I certainly passed it to someone who needed it. I have tried several times over the years to try and locate Henri and Monique, but to no avail. I guess I was wrong in the spelling of their last name.
Monique e both are so sorry to hear oh Henri’s passing. We had hoped so much that we would maybe get together to talk about our journeys as transplant recipients. We will always remember Henri fondly, and we will pray for you and your family and am happy that you are surrounded by loved ones to help get you through this terrible loss. Thank you for being part of my lung transplant journey.
Monique Giasson says
Toronto is full of memories mainly goods and did help a lot to keep Henri alive 9 more years with his lungs conditions at that time…thank you for your compassion
Raymond Savoie et Ella Basque says
Nous étions désolés d’apprendre le décès de de Dr Giasson. Nous aimerions offrir à Monique et à sa famille nos plus sincères condoléances. Bon courage à vous tous en ces temps difficiles!
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup pour vos condoleances elles sont appreciees
Agathe Laliberté et Réjean Castonguay says
Chère Monique,
Nous te transmettons nos sincères condoléances ainsi qu’à la famille.
Au cours des années, nous avons apprécié côtoyer Henri.
Au début, il nous prodiguait de bons soins d’optométrie et, par la suite, avons appris à apprécier son sens de l’humour.
Pour Réjean, installer et désinstaller sa souffleuse n’était pas une tâche mais une partie de plaisir.
Nos pensées sont avec toi.
Agathe et Réjean
Monique Giasson says
merci beaucoup vos condoleances sont tres appreciees
Monique says
thank you very much ,I miss your smile…your note was very appreciated
Arnold Cameron says
Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Giasson, my first optometrist, who I remember from boyhood as a very kind gentleman, and the ultimate professional.
Gauthier Diane says
Sincères condoléances à Toi Monique, à tes enfants et à ta grandes famille!
Je me revois à l’adolescence, avec tous nos amis et c’est toujours avec un pincement au cœur qu’on les voit nous quitter!
Je sais qu’il y a une cérémonie samedi , mais je ne pourrais y assister….c’est dommage, j’aurais tant aimé rencontrer tous les tiens!
Amitié,
Diane et Denis
Serge Bellavance says
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille bon courage
Léo et Gaétane Vautour says
Nos sincères condoléances,Monique et famille.
Merci Dr Henri d’avoir pris Michel sous tes ailes pendant un séjour d’apprentissage d’optométrie à ton bureau à Frédéricton.Michel a toujours apprécié ton cœur envers lui et tes patient-es.Aujourd’hui,c’est à son tour de traiter humainement son entourage dans sa propre entreprise à Ottawa.Tu restes encore vivant dans les graines semées bien longtemps passé.
Que la Paix et l’Amour te reviennent aux centuples.
Nous pensons à toi,Monique,pendant ce temps difficile.❤️❤️❤️