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Roy HEENAN Obituary
HEENAN, Roy Lacaud
O.C., Ad.E., B.A., B.C.L., LL.D.
1935 - 2017
Roy Lacaud Heenan passed away on February 3, 2017, in his 82nd year, surrounded by his family. Dear husband for 51 years of Rae (nee MacCulloch), beloved father of Louise, Charles, Anne, and Claire, affectionate father-in-law to Jon Meyer, Joy Lyth, and Matthew Hunt, and loving grandfather of Benjamin and Annelise Heenan and Sarah and Sophie Hunt. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Barker of Toledo, Ohio, and is survived by his half brother Rod Heenan of Vancouver, BC. Born in Mexico City in 1935 to parents Ernest and Yvonne Lacaud Heenan, he came to Canada in 1947, where he attended Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario. He later attended McGill University in Montreal for his Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons) (1957), and his Bachelor of Civil Law Degree (1960). Roy was Founding Partner/Chairman (1973-2012) of the law firm Heenan Blaikie, and a leading authority on Canadian labour, employment and administrative law. He was an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law at McGill University and also lectured at Queen's University, Université de Laval and the University of Ottawa. He was an international speaker, as well as a well-known patron of the arts. He was Founding Chairman and Director of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (2002-2012). He also sat on many boards including the CBC, the Jarislowsky Foundation, and the International Historic Heritage Foundation. Over the years he sat on the board of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ontario, and he was the Chairman of the Musée d'art comtemporain de Montréal (1994-1998). He was a keen member of the Atwater/Montreal Badminton and Squash Club, the Montreal Indoor Tennis Club and the Hillside Tennis Club. Roy received numerous honours, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1999 in recognition for being "one of the country's leading labour lawyers who has also made significant contributions to academic life and the art world". He was also conferred the honorary title of Lawyer Emeritus in 2008 by the Barreau du Quebec, and was awarded in May of the same year an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from McGill University. Known for his enthusiasm, humour, and generosity, he was a friend and an inspiration to many. Visitation at the Kane & Fetterly Funeral Home, 5301 Decarie Blvd., (corner Isabella), Montreal on Thursday, February 9 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral Service at St George's Anglican Church, in downtown Montreal, on Friday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cedars Cancer Foundation (Supportive and Palliative Care Fund) (www.cedars.ca) or St. Matthias' Anglican Church, Montreal (https://st-matthias.ca). Condolences may be sent to www.kanefetterly.com.
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31 Entries
Christian Campbell
January 8, 2018
I was very sorry to hear this news, which I just received today. I suppose I had been dreading it having not heard from Roy in many years and knowing that time stands still for no one.
This "Known for his enthusiasm, humour, and generosity, he was a friend and an inspiration to many." rang very true to me.
Despite not being "close" to Roy, I regarded him as a "friend", notwithstanding the miles and years between us. He exuded an avuncular affection that felt very genuine.
I first met Roy a quarter of a century ago - and I last saw him, a complete chance encounter, skiing in Whistler about 10 years ago, me exiting a lift, him leaving a mountain lodge, each of us far from our respective homes and immediately recognising each other despite the ski gear.
I regret not having seen him since, and even more sharply that we will see each other no more on this beautiful earth.
Marie Thérèse Blanc
October 22, 2017
My deepest condolences to the loved ones of Professor Heenan, as I called him. I was in Prof. Heenan's Labour Law class at the McGill Law Faculty in the mid-1990s, and I found him to be a caring, empathetic, compassionate teacher of the law who was open to debate and always fair. His pro-management position was one I respected and appreciated, because it gave me the opposite side to the position I embraced myself, as well as a great deal of food for thought. I have often thought of him since I graduated. He was an excellent professor, and he will be missed.
John & Encarnita Gardner
March 12, 2017
After coming to know Roy in the mid 1960's, my wife and I had only infrequent contact with him. That interaction long ago impacted both of us and we will miss him.
While Roy was most definitely Canadian, his respect and fondness for his Mexican roots never diminished. It was that link that brought us into contact. I had just married in Spain a young woman with strong Andalusian roots who had never been to Canada. Establishing ourselves in Montreal, we were delighted to encounter Roy whose ideas and demeanor showed my wife that a fulfilling life for a hispanic person was possible in this country. Over the fifty years that have elapsed, we have established careers that have taken us to different parts of the world. Roy never escaped from our memories; indeed Encarnita recognized Roy and his smile from the photograph in the newspaper before reading the text. He possessed a wonderful sense of humour, and the ability to relate quickly and directly with people. We wish we had had more contact with him over the years.
John and Encarnita
February 17, 2017
Dear Mrs. Heenan & Family,
With sincerest condolences from everyone at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre. We wish we could support you as much as you have us in the past, but in being unable to do that, we just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Sharon McGladdery on behalf of Sunbury Shores.
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Jane Allen
February 14, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cheryl and Andrew Maciag
February 12, 2017
Rae, Claire and Family
We were deeply saddened by the news of Roy's passing. We enjoyed Roy's company in Cambridge, England in 2015 and have treasured our friendship with him. He was truly a larger than life person who was very wise and enjoyable to listen to. His joie de vivre' was contagious and we will miss him dearly. We send you our deepest sympathies and Roy and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Tansey
February 11, 2017
Dear Mrs. Holden and Family:
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. I was in his Labour Law class at McGill Law. He was an excellent and very entertaining teacher even if he was perhaps a tad bit slanted towards management's side. His was an early morning course and, despite this, we all knew that it was worth losing a little sleep to attend. We did and loved it.
My very best to you at this sad time.
Merley Cumberbatch
February 10, 2017
Dear Rae and family, I was unable to support you by attending Roy's funeral. I am happy that Jumaane was able to be there. Rest assured that you are all in my prayers.
Carol Fortier
February 10, 2017
Dear Rae,
Yves and I send our deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Oscar De La Vega
February 10, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to Roy's family, Roy was a roll model for several attorneys around the world, Roy was the greatest global labor attorney, he was open to provide us with his best advice, we will missed him!
Gary Caroline
February 9, 2017
Dear Family of Roy Heenan,
My law partner Joanna Gislason and I wish to offer you our deepest sympathies. Roy's death is a deep loss not just for you but for all who knew him as well as the legal profession generally.
Although we had heard of Roy and his rather intimidating reputation before actually meeting him through our colleague Peter Gall, when we had a chance to spend some time together he struck both of us as having not only a brilliant, creative and open mind but was a wonderful host and raconteur. He was a "gentleman" in the truest sense, a leader in our profession and a great human being. He was unique. He will be missed.
Gary Caroline and Joanna Gislason - Vancouver
Courtney Byrne
February 9, 2017
Uncle Roy will be missed! I have wonderful memories of our visits. I am sorry I am not able to be with all of you during this difficult time. I am thinking about all of you and sending my love your way. I hope all of the great memories helps to ease your sadness. He will be deeply missed by all!
Love Courtney (Lark) Byrne
Lina Stromei-Boucher
February 9, 2017
Most sincere condolences to the Heenan Family.
February 9, 2017
DEAR RAE AND FAMILY,
I EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON YOUR LOSS, WHICH I SHARE DEEPLY WITH YOU. ROY WAS A GREAT CANADIAN AND MONTREALER. I WAS PROUD TO BE A FRIEND AND A COLLEAGUE...WE CERTAINLY HAD FUN AND MANY LAUGHS OVER MANY YEARS...
SINCERELY, JEREMY REITMAN
Bonnie Young-Lang
February 9, 2017
Hello Claire, so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I can only hope that prayers and memories will help you at this very difficult time. Big hugs my dear. Blessings to you all.
Micheline Ammar
February 8, 2017
Dear Claire and family
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Micheline Ammar
Bill Morrison
February 8, 2017
Louise my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family at such a sad time. It is hard to have a loved one pass away but with family all together it will.make the passing a little easier
Richard Dixon
February 7, 2017
To the family of Roy Heenan
As a long time labour relations professional, I have crossed paths with Roy numerous times. Roy was a true gentleman in the truest and purest definition of the term. Whether it be at dinner or after giving a speech, just being in his presence provided all with absolute pleasure. He has left a lastly legacy to everyone who had any time with him. He will be missed
Davinia Withington
February 7, 2017
Dear Rae and Family
Very sad to hear of your loss. Roy was a true gentle man and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sincere condolences.
Peace to you all
Davinia
St Matthias
John Montgomery
February 7, 2017
Dear Rae and Family,
My heart-felt sympathies are extended to you on the passing of a husband and father who was such a shining light in the legal world as well as the community at large, including his beloved St. Matthias Church. He will be sorely missed.
John
Diana Chapman
February 7, 2017
As Rae Heenan's long time friend and old Compton room mate, Roy had to suffer my numerous visits to their different homes over more than sixty years. This he did with unfailing warmth and humour. I shall miss him always. My deepest sympathy and love to all the family, Di Chapman
Marc Gravel
February 7, 2017
A toi Roy , superbe avocat intense, chaleureux , souriant et sériieux
exemple pour tout praticien du Travail ( labour law) une éternité heureuse!
February 7, 2017
Jawaid and Sue Khan are so very sorry to hear this sad news. He will be fondly remembered. We send our deepest sympathy.
Fred Laflamme
February 7, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Heenan family. Roy and I served together for several years on the Board at Trafalgar School for Girls. His wise counsel, disarming demeanor and always sage advice were invaluable assets helping a small school make giant strides. He was such a fine gentleman and will be deeply missed.
February 7, 2017
My thoughts are with you, Roy's family. I was honoured to know and work beside him in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a great teacher and I valued his lessons. Sincerely, Norah Carmichael
February 7, 2017
Dear Rae,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Roy's passing.We know how determined he was to stay with you a little longer.Please convey our sympathy to your family members, especially to your dear Claire.
With affection, Eleanor and Murray
February 7, 2017
Nancy and Brian Gallery send our love and sincere condolences to Rae and the Heenan family.
John & Marcy McCall MacBain
February 7, 2017
To a great man who will never be forgotten
February 7, 2017
Deepest sympathy to Roy's family from Sandra Keymer, friend and fellow Board member of Trafalgar School for Girls.
Brian Davies
February 7, 2017
Dear Rae and Family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Roy was a great man and will be sorely missed.
Many Blessings,
Brian
St. Matthias'
claire Faulkner-Molson
February 7, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Heenan family. Roy was a joy and a dear friend of the Faulkner and Molson family. Our thoughts are with you all . Claire and David Molson
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5301 boul. Decarie, Montreal, QC H3W 3C4
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