The Bouchard family said goodbye to J.R. François Bouchard, on 20 August 2021 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, after he lost his second battle with oral cancer.
Words can do no justice to his character and the impact he had on his family and those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Even though the odds were stacked against him from the start, he built himself a life filled with love, family, and achievements. François was an incredible role model to his sons, the most playful grandfather to have ever walked the earth, and a loving and kind husband to his beloved wife.
From a young age, François was imbued with a sense service, leading him to join the Canadian Armed Forces in January 1980 as a Marine Engineer, eventually becoming an Intelligence Operator in 1985. He retired in 2012 after having attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class and having served on several missions at home and abroad with the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Airforce.
He is survived by his wife, Heather, sons Nick (Kayla) and Jeff (Shannon), and grandchildren Eva, Kinsley, and Ember. Also, mother, Yolande Gagné, brother Alain, twin sister France (Don), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Murray and Lynn, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Dr. Cohen, Dr. Phillips, Dr. Franklin, and Dr. Zaza of Kingston General Hospital in Kingston, Ontario as well as to Dr. Cameron, Dr. MacDonald, and Dr. Le of Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick. François also wished to thank Sue Rodriguez, her family, and her supporters for their efforts in trailblazing the legalization of Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) in Canada which provided François, and many others, with a sense of agency, peace, and dignity to the end.
François attended his own celebration of life at his favourite campground, surrounded by friends and family, prior to his passing.
Donations in his honour can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and, or, through random acts of kindness; his signature way of spreading joy.
Carpe Diem!
C’est le 20 août 2021 à Fredericton, au Nouveau-Brunswick, que la famille Bouchard a dit ses adieux à J.R. François Bouchard, après une deuxième bataille contre le cancer de la bouche.
Les mots ne peuvent rendre justice à la force de caractère de François et à la grande influence qu’il a eue sur sa famille et sur ceux et celles qui ont eu le privilège de croiser son chemin. Contre toute attente, il a su bâtir une vie remplie d’amour et d’accomplissements. Sa famille était sa plus grande fierté. Pour ses fils, François aura incarné un modèle de père exceptionnel; pour ses petits-enfants, le grand-papa le plus bouffon de la planète; et pour sa douce épouse de 36 ans, un mari affectueux, sensible et attentif.
Dès son jeune âge, François était empreint d’altruisme. C’est ainsi qu’il s’est joint aux Forces armées canadiennes en janvier 1980, à titre d’ingénieur naval puis, en 1985, en tant que spécialiste du renseignement. Après avoir atteint le rang de premier maître de 1re classe et accompli plusieurs missions au Canada et à l’étranger avec l’Armée canadienne, la Marine royale canadienne et l’Aviation royale canadienne, il a pris sa retraite en 2012.
Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse Heather , ses fils Nick (Kayla) et Jeff (Shannon), et ses petits-enfants Eva, Kingsley et Ember. Il laisse aussi dans le deuil sa mère, Yolande Gagné, son frère Alain, sa sœur jumelle France (Don), son beau-frère et sa belle-sœur, Murray et Lynn, ainsi que de nombreux neveux et nièces.
La famille tient à exprimer sa gratitude envers les Drs Cohen, Phillips, Franklin et Zaza de la Kingston General Hospital à Kingston (Ontario) ainsi qu’envers les Drs Cameron, Le et MacDonald de la Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital à Fredericton (N.-B.). François tenait également à remercier Mme Sue Rodriguez, sa famille et leurs défenseurs pour avoir ouvert la voie à la légalisation de l’aide médicale à mourir au Canada, ce qui lui a donné, ainsi qu’à beaucoup d’autres, un sentiment d’autonomie, de paix et de dignité jusqu’à la fin.
Avant de s’éteindre, François a pris part à la célébration de sa vie à son terrain de camping préféré, entouré de sa famille et de ses amis.
Des dons en son honneur peuvent être faits à la Société canadienne du cancer ou par des gestes de bonté spontanés, sa manière à lui de répandre la joie.
Carpe Diem!
www.moderncremation.ca
Nicole Maheux Côté says
Mes sympathies Heather, Nick, Jeff et toute votre famille. François un être exceptionnel. Repose en paix mon ami.
Erin King says
My heartfelt condolences France. I hope you and your family find some peace in the loving memories you shared and courage to face the days ahead.
Lise Noël says
We offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to François’ twin France and extended family. I have not had the pleasure of meeting François however, France spoke about her twin brother quite often and spoke very highly of him that it felt like we had met. I am happy to hear that he was able to pass on with dignity and could attend his celebration of life.
I am sure he leaves a huge emptiness in everyone’s hearts and will be greatly missed.
Comforting hugs to you dear friend France.
Mr. & Mrs. Noël Wilson
Marissa says
Sincerest condolences from Dave and I to you and your family, France. It is clear, from the wonderful words written of him, that your brother was truly a special person. We will be thinking of you all and keeping you in our hearts.
Alain Bouchard says
François est et sera pour toujours au milieu de vous et aussi dans mon cœur. Sa contribution est extraordinaire. Ses petits-enfants le connaîtront à travers l’amour, les jeux et la joie de vivre que leurs pères seront leur transmettre, comme il a su si bien le faire. Il nous a enseigné par l’exemple le courage, la résilience, la bienveillance, la bonté. Toutes mes sympathies!
Tyler, Liane & family says
Deepest condolences to the Bouchard family and friends. Praying that loving, funny and happy memories of him bring you comfort and courage through this difficult time.
Kristi Walsh says
Bruce and I offer sincere condolences on the passing of your brother, France and family. We are sorry for your loss.
Steeven Gingras says
Condolences to the entire family, Bouch was one of the best persons I’ve known and worked with. He had the biggest heart you can find. RIP mon ami🙏🏻🙏🏻
Timothy Harnish says
Sending my condolences and prayers to all.
Mike Fournier says
Butch was an old friend of mine. I knew him as such a humble and gentle man, kind to everyone and ready to help when there was a need.
I had been in touch with him since I retired in Halifax in 2013 and this news comes as a shock.
Fair winds to you Butch, you are lived and will be missed. We got this mate, RIP.
Bub & Betty Harnish says
Sincere sympathy at this most difficult time, thinking of family and all who knew and
loved him. May God grant comfort and peace for all the days ahead.
Betty & Bub Harnish
Jocelyne Gagné says
J’ai été très émue d’apprendre le départ de François. Mes parents se joignent à moi pour vous offrir nos sincères sympathies. Nous sommes de tout cœur avec vous.
Suzanne Grenier says
Toutes mes condoléances Heather, Nicolas et Jeffery!
Condoléances Yolande, Alain et France. Je garderai un très beau souvenir de François.
…Suzanne Grenier…
Natalie Boutilier says
Dearest Heather and family nothing I can say will help you at this time your strength and love will always be with you.Remember Francois is in the arms of God he will always be your angel watching over you. Peace be with you my friend forever in my heart.Love Terri and family
Carole Bouchard says
Toutes mes sympathies à la famille.
Lisa Legere says
Thinking of you and your family France and sending lots of love and light your way. I am so very sorry for your loss.
To-Linh Huynh says
I’m so sorry for your loss, France. It sounds like your brother was as kind, caring and loved as you are. Sending you and your family my deepest condolences. xo
Gary Hayes says
My sincere condolences to family and friends. We were on 2 courses together. Very soft spoken and kind. Last time spoken was in Kingston, a few years ago. R.I.P. friend. As the sun goes down, we will remember you.
Kathryn Finn says
France – My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Éliane Knox says
Mes plus sincères sympathies France ainsi qu’à ta famille.
La mémoire est un endroit en nos cœurs, un endroit privilégié où l’on garde les précieux souvenirs de ceux que l’on aime.
Puissiez-vous trouver un peu d’apaisement dans la sollicitude de vos proches et amis.
Fiona Boffa says
France, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your Brother. I know he had a long hard fight. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Iola Heisler, Doris & Wayne Wells says
Heather & family,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear husband. Sending you our deepest condolences. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. While your family will help carry you through these difficult days, we hope the caring of others will comfort you, too, and remind you how special you are to so many. May God bless you today and in the days ahead. -Psalm 23
Jeff.Harriman says
My condolences France. From my family to yours I hope you find some peace during these difficult times. We will be thinking about you.
Natalie Montour says
France, mes sincères sympathies à toi et toute la famille. Mes pensées sont avec vous pendant ce temps difficile.
Manon Losier says
France et famille,
Mes plus sincères condoléances. Je n’ai pas connu François mais France avait tellement de beaux mots à dire à son égard, partageant qu’il était une personne absolument splendide. Je pense à vous au cours de cette période difficile.
Manon Losier
Alaina says
My deepest sympathy France. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Theresa Hughes says
France, sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your brother. Thinking of you, praying that God will bring you peace and that you will find comfort in your many memories of him.
France & Michel Jacques says
Our deepest condolences Heather and family. Thinking of you and your family in this very difficult time.
France & Michel Jacques
Kingston neighbours
Earl & Janice MacLennan says
To Nick Kayla Kingsley & The Bouchard family.
Our sympathy to all the family. .
Blanche Landry & Famille says
Chère France, nos plus sincères sympathies… Nous sommes convaincus que la présence de François, vous incite à faire de votre vie, une célébration… au-delà de son départ… Nous sommes de tout coeur avec toi et ta famille. Big hug tout en tendresse…
Colin Wright says
Dear Heather. Angela and I are so sorry to hear this sad news. Although we lost touch many years ago, I still think of Francois and I often, usually when I see a watch on a market stall. I/we truly enjoyed your company in Warsaw. Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Colin & Angela Wright.
Kim VanWart says
France, I am so sorry to hear that your brother passed away. I am thinking of you and sending you thoughts of comfort as you go through this very difficult time. Kim
Andrew Nicholson says
France, so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. I remember you telling me his story. My thoughts and with you at this time.
Julie Comeau says
My dearest France,
I am so sad for you and your family. Please know that I am here for you if you ever need to talk or cry. Thinking of you xo
Wade Thornhill says
I worked with Chief Bouchard in Halifax. A great mentor to a not so young intelligence officer. Too bad. My deepest regrets and condolences to his family.
Claire Boivin says
Mes plus sincères condoléances Heather, ainsi que toute la famille.
Repose en paix cher cousin 🌺
Claudette and Andre Gagne says
Our sincere condolences to the family!!! It’s so sad to loose a husband, a father, a brother at that age! We only found out recently through our son Kevin (Nick’s friend). May the good memories and time heal your hearts.
Sincerely,
Andre and Claudette