Allan Patenaude

Allan Patenaude

Allan Patenaude Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 5 to Apr. 6, 2011.
OBITUARY ALLAN PATENAUDE, Educator Allan Patenaude died at the Montreal General Hospital on Friday, April 1, 2011. Allan, son of Rita MacDonald and Ernest Patenaude, was born in Ottawa where he attended school and university and obtained teacher certification. Allan taught English at Mille-Isles Regional and Laval Catholic High Schools and inspired his students with his love of literature and his passion for theatre and music. Allan served on the boards of the Association of Teachers of English in Quebec (ATEQ) and the Canadian Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (CCTELA), which established the Allan Patenaude Presenters Grant in his honour. Allan edited The Tempest and Julius Caesar in the Harcourt Brace series on Shakespeare. At the Ministere de l'Education du Quebec Allan was a pedagogical consultant. Given his warm and supportive personality, Allan made friends in every Anglophone teaching community around the province. As well, he became an adjunct professor teaching pre-service teachers at McGill's Faculty of Education. In recognition of his many contributions to education, Allan received the Medaille de l'Assemblee nationale du Quebec in 2000. Allan is survived by his partner Jean Lefebvre, his sister Joan Patenaude-Yarnell, and his brother Bruce Patenaude and their families as well as by a host of friends and former students whom he loved and supported throughout his life. His funeral mass will be held at Ascension of Our Lord Church, 375 Kitchener, Westmount on Wednesday, April 6 at 2 p.m. The family will receive condolences at 1 p.m. A reception will take place after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allan Patenaude Memorial Fund, McGill University Tribute Program, 1430 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3A 3T3 (514-398-1057) or at www.mcgill.ca/give . "We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep." The Tempest, 4. 1

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Allan Patenaude's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 3, 2011

Paul Redman posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2011

Donald MacLellan posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2011

Angus Fraser posted to the memorial.

25 Entries

Paul Redman

June 3, 2011

Anyone who knew me in high-school, knew I hated school. Mr. Patenaude was one of the only classes I enjoyed. He introduced me to the novel "Of Mice and Men". To this day it is one of my favorite novels and every time I see any reference to it I think of him.

My condolences to the family, and may he rest in peace.

Donald MacLellan

April 16, 2011

What greatness hides behind the faces that we see: Allan Patenaude, my Secondary 1 Drama teacher and director of so many dramatic performances that were the ultimate face of Laval Catholic High School, gone. I'll never forget him and the way he looked at me when I told him I wouldn't be taking Drama in Secondary 2: he reared back as if stung, a 'how-could-you'/'stupid boy!' expression firmly in place. I knew my mistake and I regretted it then, and I regret to this day my disappointing him, but more than that, I regret not acknowledging one of his greatest gifts, confirmed by what I have read of his career: the ability, and the passion, for making education something more than simply a phase we go through, but a truly wonderful journey.
Allan, no, I'm not an actor, but...If you ask my colleague today, your old friend Donna(see her kind words elsewhere here), it's an ironic, and I say also fitting, tribute, that we were chatting away, remembering you in our way, at the very same time you moved on to a greater stage. I know that my brother Barry and my sister Connie join me in remembrance. I can only finish by saying that what I learned from you I've kept to this day; what I've learned about you makes me hope to be so much to be as much like you in many ways, most especially as an educator. Say hi to Will and all the others whose work you made so real and so relevant, from the ol' slice of ham.
Donald.

Angus Fraser

April 11, 2011

I was saddened to read, recently, of Allan's death. I knew Allan through Bruce, a schoolmate of mine at St. Patrick's High School in Ottawa. Bruce, I still have a photograph of us when we sang in Matt Maroney's choir.
Allan was especially helpful to me when I was considering Social Work as a profession, after graduating from St. Patrick's College. I contacted Allan who was then working for the Ottawa Children's Aid Society. His knowledge and encouragement persuaded me to apply for a job at the Society. After working there for three years, I went on to post graduate studies and a satisfying career as a Social Worker.Thanks, Allan. You were a real help to me. Angus C. Fraser

April 8, 2011

Mr Patenaude was my grade 8 teacher at St. Basil's Elementary School in Ottawa for the 1959-60 school year. He was a kind gentle man who I have always remembered. R.I.P. Karen Casey-Leonard

Donna and Michael Canuel

April 7, 2011

April 7, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to Allan's loved ones of which there were so many. Never did we speak of Allan without a smile and a laugh. We have so many cherished memories of spending time creating characters, stories and potential scripts while perhaps imbibing in a little too much nectar of the gods! Throughout our careers at LCHS and then our divergent career paths it was always wonderful to know that our muse was somewhere backstage watching our comings and goings. Our heart go out to you Jean and to Allan's family.

John MacDonald

April 7, 2011

John and Marilyn wish to send our most sincere sympathy to Joan, Bruce and Jean on the death of Allan Patenaude (John's beloved cousin).John grew up with Allan in Ottawa East, went to school with Allan and followed his distingushed career in education throughout his life.He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Brian Campbell

April 6, 2011

Sorry to hear of his passing. I remember his teaching style from MIRCH. Left a lasting impression!!!May God grant him everylasting peace and love.

Gerry Brown

April 6, 2011

It’s with great sadness that I hear of Allan’s death. As colleagues together at Laval Catholic High School and at the Ministry of Education, I will cherish many fond memories of shared laughter and successes. He was a true professional and instilled in everyone that he met a love for learning and an appreciation for the Arts. My deepest sympathies are extended to his family and dear ones.

Anne Densley Cameron

April 6, 2011

I will always remember Allan as the one teacher who made a profound difference in my life. He will always be remembered with love and gratitude. The world is a sadder place without him.

I wish I had the words to express my deep sorrow as well as my deepest sympathies to his family and all those who loved him.

Malcolm Throp

April 6, 2011

What a wonderful teacher you were,Mr Patenaude.I was lucky enough to be a student of yours at St.Mark`s in Aylmer,and I participated in plays directed by you.You shared your wonderful intelligence and talent generously with us,thank you.

Nicole Nascimento

April 6, 2011

R.I.P Mr Patenaude, you were my English Teacher in LCHS when I graduated 1975, you were a wonderful teacher.

Dianne (Spooner)Sharkey

April 6, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Allan's passing and my condolences go out to Jean and Allan's family. I remember Allan so fondly from my years at MIRCH. He instilled such a great love of the English language in me. He truly opened up an exciting world of understanding and loving literature and poetry. Not only was he an amazing teacher, but he was a personal mentor to me and helped me through some very difficult times in high school when my mother was very ill.

I wish I would have had the opportunity to see him again over the years, but unfortunately living so far away it was never possible. Allan, you will be missed very much by many people.

With love and gratitude,

Dianne (Spooner) Sharkey

Glenn Menzies

April 5, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Jean and Allan's family. Allan was truly an inspiring teacher at Mille Iles Regional Catholic High (MIRCH) during his years there. He practiced his craft with passion, total dedication and brought out the best in all of us. Many will vividly recall how he brought those novels and poems so very much to life - as only he could.

It was heartwarming to witness the total delight on his face being back among his students at the MIRCH reunion a few years back. Naturally, there were equally huge smiles on the faces of those who saw him again, and for me will be a moment that defined the love we all had for this wonderful man.
Allan, you will indeed be missed.

Enjoy your time now with Shakespeare, Chaucer, Keats and all the greats as they await your company. Rest assured your memory will always live among us and may God keep you forever.

Jim Shaver

April 5, 2011

My sincere condolences to Allan's family and friends. I was a student of his in 1975 at Laval Catholic High School. He was the first and only English teacher that gave me the inspiration to not only read novels and poems, but to also interpret them. He enjoyed the classics and he used to sit on the front edge of his desk and read to us with passion, selections from our materials and then open us to new meanings and paths. I remember well a poetry field trip he took a few of us on to McGill and also how I discovered W.O. Mitchell on my own and he would talk to me about the novel I was reading at the time, Who Has Seen The Wind (a book to this day that I re read almost every 4-5 years).

Thank You Allan, you helped me find literature at a time when I had almost no path to find it otherwise, you changed many of us with your gift, a wonderful legacy to your life.

God Bless,

Mary-Beth Raddon

April 5, 2011

I know Allan mainly from family gatherings where I enjoyed interesting conversation with him. I certainly admired his intelligence and knowledge on these occasions.

I will remember Allan most from a trip to Montreal about 15 years ago (or so) when he and Jean kindly hosted Raj and me in their beautiful apartment. They were so gracious and generous with their time, we were really touched and grateful.

On that visit I remember cooking a vegetarian meal for them (an Egyptian dish with lentils). Whether or not they actually liked the food, they ate with a spirit of adventure and gusto.

From what I know of Allan, I think this spirit of adventure and gusto was characteristic of him. I know he will be deeply missed.

My sincere condolences to Jean and to Allan's circle of friends and family.

Deb Kimmerly

April 5, 2011

Mon cher oncle Allan,

I remember our many dinners and conversations that began when I was a student studying at Laval and continued well after I graduated and visited Montreal frequently on business. You have always been my honourary uncle who was so much fun to visit. As a child, I loved to come to Montreal with my parents and Grandmother (even if I was afraid of your dog!). Grammy Margaret often used to call me "Cailif" by mistake. However, instead of being insulted, I always took it as a compliment because I knew how much she loved you and everything that surrounded you.

Later on in life, I had a chance to get to know you on my own. It was such a nice surprise to discover that you were equally fun as an adult! We never found it hard to find things to talk about since we shared a love for the French language, good food and "un bon verre de vin avec des amis". My thanks to you and Jean for always making me feel welcome and loved in your home. I will miss your hearty laugh, your positive words and your kind demeanour. God bless you always "mon cher oncle".

My sincerest condolences to Jean, Joan and Bruce. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Je vous aime,

Terry Smyth

April 5, 2011

I have never forgotten Allan, he made the characters stand out and become real to me. He gave me such a love of English, of poetry, of literature. Allan was an amazing teacher with a wonderful sense of humour. I wish we could have kept up through the years, there were many times I am sure he would have encourgaged me through my literary dreams. God Bless you Allan and your family and friends. Your shining light will remain with them, keeping you always close.

Jon Bradley

April 5, 2011

What a wonderful colleague and friend. The halls of the Faculty of Education at McGill will not be the same without the presence of this true educator. Allan always had a smile and a conversation for one and all - especially the education students. A sincere narrator, Allan told stories to explain and to educate, never to belittle or pass judgment. I have my own memories of many of these stories and am a better person for having known Allan.

Joan LaBonte-Bender

April 5, 2011

To Allan's family.
He was my english teacher for two years in 1961 to 1963 at St.Mark's High School in Aylmer. No one could read and make your imagination work luke him. I was very fortunate to see him again at the 25 year re-union. Sorry to hear of his passing.
My Sincere condolences to you all.

April 5, 2011

I worked with Allan for many years at Laval Catholic and it was always a joy. I did make-up for his plays and he was a great inspiration not only to his students but to his colleagues as well. The light of the world is a little dimmer today with Allan's passing. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Louise Larivière-Sanchez

Sandy Davidson

April 5, 2011

I was a friend of Allan at Canadian Martyrs school in Ottawa and remember him as a gentle, thoughtful and intelligent person who I knew would go on and do well in life. I also remember Joan and Bruce well.

My heart goes out to Jean and the family during this time of loss.

Jean Lefebvre

April 5, 2011

April 5, 2011

Jean Lefebvre

April 5, 2011

My Dear Allan,
We had a wonderful 26 years together. If I am what I am today, it is because of you. You brought the best into me and so much knowledge; like my love for opera, theatre...
Nous avons fait et vécu tellement de choses ensemble, que ce soit nos voyages a Stratford ou nos soirées mémorables avec nos amis autour d’un succulent repas arrosé de vin, autant que nos moments paisibles tous les deux, que j’aurai des souvenirs de toi pour toujours. Puisses-tu veiller sur nous tous et nous protéger a chaque moment.
Of course, I will miss you and continue to love you every day for the rest of my life until we are reunited again.
I shall do my best to take care of myself as you always told me to do.

Love you my dear Allan and keep smiling.
Jean

Helen Menzies-Beaudin

April 5, 2011

My most sincere condolences to Jean and Allan's family. Along with being one of my most cherished and entertaining teachers at M.I.R.C.H., Allan gave all of us a wonderful and positive attitude to take with us through our lives. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with Allan and to meet Jean when they so graciously accepted our dinner invitation some years ago. As always he was so entertaining.

God bless and I know you are in good hands. You will be missed.

Most sincerely and with love,

Helen (Menzies) Beaudin

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Allan Patenaude's name

How to support Allan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Allan Patenaude's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Allan Patenaude's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 3, 2011

Paul Redman posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2011

Donald MacLellan posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2011

Angus Fraser posted to the memorial.