Hendrik André Siré

(October 31, 1949 – January 4, 2026) The family of Hendrik André Siré is sad to announce his passing on January 4, 2026, while hiking on one of Ottawa's many nature trails. He was predeceased by his parents, Harald and Doris. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara Lukaszewicz; the families of his son, Daniel (Genevieve), and daughter, Elisabeth; and his sister, Cora (Otokar). He will be fondly remembered by friends, all of whom are welcome to join his family for a service at All Saints / Working Title, 330 Laurier Ave. East, on Saturday, January 10th, at 2:00 p.m. About Hendrik Hendrik was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in the aftermath of WWII, before immigrating first to the US, then Canada. He was raised with his sister, Cora, by Doris and Harald in the west island of Montreal. Distinguished by what would be a lifelong appetite for learning, he represented Lindsay Place High School on the television show Reach for the Top and served as the editor of the award-winning student newspaper, The Spectator. A passionate learner, he graduated from Haverford College in the U.S. (BA 1970) then pursued degrees and designations in International Affairs, Spanish Literature, Business and Accounting at the Universities of Ottawa (1971), Carleton (1973), and Western (1978). Later, in his retirement, he continued his studies, focusing primarily on his love of languages (Italian, Spanish), poetry, and memoir writing. His career started in Ottawa's public sector with the Canadian International Development Agency. In the 1980s he specialized in long term capital planning for the National Harbours Board, where fellow employee Barbara Lukaszewicz caught his eye. After a brief courtship, they were married in 1982 for 43 years, raising their children Daniel and Elisabeth. Starting at Goss Gilroy in the mid-1980s, he found his passion tackling many topics for the Canadian government and others abroad. He was passionate about serving the public good and rose to Partner before retiring in 2014. Hendrik loved spending time with friends and family. He engaged any takers on a good hike or ski in Gatineau Park and especially enjoyed intellectual conversations. He could not resist adding to his personal book collection at every opportunity. He ran several marathons well into his 60s, inspiring his kids to an active lifestyle. He was open-minded, taking his friends as they were, and surrounding himself with an eclectic group. As a grandfather he was known as "Kiko" and he loved spending time with his grandkids, teaching them chess and engaging them in deeply reflective conversations. In his final years, reflecting on his own journey to Canada, Hendrik was moved to dedicate time for refugee assistance. Donations to support this cause can be made through CanadaHelps.org by selecting St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church (Ottawa) and directing the donation to the Refugee Action Group (RAG) general account. Donations may also be made by e-transfer to accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca with a reference to the Refugee Action Group (RAG) general account.