Louis Armand DESROCHERS

DESROCHERS, Louis Armand
C.M., A.O.E., LL.D., c.r.
March 21, 1928 – September 28, 2015
On September 28, 2015, Louis Armand Desrochers passed away peacefully. He will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life and cherished 'bride' of 62 years, Marcelle (née Boutin), their five children: Marie (Harold), Pierre (Laura), Claire (Doug), Isabelle (John) and Dominique, their grandchildren: David (Katie), Justin (Nicole), Jacqueline (Stéphane), Danielle, Andrée, Jean- Pierre, Joel, Stephanie, Jackson, John Louis, Patrick, Max and Louis as well as their great- grandchild, Bernard.
Born in Montreal in 1928, Louis learned the importance of both Canadian languages and his exposure to both francophone and anglophone cultures shaped his life and values. He attended primary school in Montreal before moving to Jasper, Alberta with his widowed mother in 1939. With the move west, he continued his education by attending Le Collège des Jésuites and Collège St-Jean. He went on to the University of Ottawa, and graduated from Law at the University of Alberta in 1952. He then joined the firm now known as McCuaig Desrochers LLP where he was a respected leader and valued partner for over 40 years.
While a senior partner of McCuaig Desrochers, Louis served on numerous corporate boards including that of the Bank of Montreal, Shaw Communications and Maclab Enterprises. He served as Chancellor and member of the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and was a member of the North West Territories Council, the Canada Council, the Trilateral Commission as well as a number of boards serving the community, the arts, health, public policy and social issues.
Louis made extraordinary contributions to Alberta's francophone community; he helped found the French radio station, CHFA, the Théâtre Français and actively supported l' ACFA. He was instrumental in having the Collège Universitaire St-Jean become Faculté Saint-Jean, Canada's only French language faculty within an English language university.
In recognition of his contributions, Louis was named to the Order of Canada, was invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence and received three honorary degrees. In 2001, a professorship in Études Canadiennes/Canadian Studies was created in his honour. He was moved by the naming of École Desrochers in Jasper.
Louis fully embraced life and loved people…all people. An eternal optimist, he lived life to the fullest whether on the ice rink, the ski hill, the tennis court, the golf course, or the 19th hole. Later in life, he accepted his health challenges with courage and dignity and never lost his sense of humour. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Aurevoir cher Papa et repose-toi bien. Tu as été un papa sans pareil.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Fraser Armstrong, Francis and all the staff at Laurier House Lynnwood for their compassionate care of Louis over the past six years. Thank you also to Abram for his devoted companionship and service to Louis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044-113 Street Edmonton, AB. Those who wish can make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 100-119 14 Street NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6 or to the charity of their choice.
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