Jean-Edouard de Marenches

JEAN-EDOUARD DE MARENCHES It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that the family of Jean-Edouard de Marenches announce his passing on September 19, 2021 at home in Vancouver with his wife Martha by his side. For the past 10 months he had dealt with the second return of lymphoma with immense dignity, fortitude, courage and a steadfast resolve to outwit cancer by keeping his focus on the future. There was still so much living to do. He leaves a void in the lives of his wife Martha (née Perkins), older brother Dante Larcade-de Moustier, son Guillaume, cousins in France and in-laws in Ontario who embraced him like a brother, nephews and nieces, and innumerable friends and colleagues, all of whose lives were enriched by their time with him. Jean-Edouard was born in Paris on February 2, 1958. His father was the late Count Alexandre de Marenches, former spy chief of France. His mother was the late Agnes Henderson, who left Harlem, New York in the 1950s and strode her way with flair and confidence into the upper echelons of French society. In 1960, his mother married Count Edouard de Moustier, whose Bourbon roots stretched back to the Sun King of France. Two years later, the family moved to the French West Indies where his stepfather was responsible for expanding the reach of Air Liquide. His years at College Ste. Barbe in Paris left an indelible mark on his life and outlook, as did a sailing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1985, he joined his mother, stepfather and brother in Haliburton, Ontario. Together they transformed a former hunting and fishing lodge into the highly esteemed Domain of Killien. Offering fine French cuisine, an impeccable atmosphere of serenity and refinement, it was here that Jean-Edouard invited his guests to 'Master the art of doing nothing... beautifully.' His ads on CFMX enlivened the imagination of listeners who also craved 'Un Certain Art de Vivre...' Jean-Edouard and Martha's love and abiding friendship brought together two very distinct personalities and cultures. For him, she was 'my rock and my flower.' For her, he was the man who fully engaged her heart, mind and soul. Jean-Edouard defied easy characterization. He had an incredible presence that commanded attention even though he never sought it out. His formidable memory added depth and unexpected insights to any conversation. His humour snuck up behind you, delighting you with his mental agility. He lived life large. His loss is enormous. Two celebrations of his life will be held in Haliburton, with another in Paris next June. All who loved and admired him are invited to the BonnieView Inn on Saturday, October 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. Former Domain of Killien colleagues are invited to a private gathering on Sunday, October 17. (Please email marthajperkins@gmail.com for details.) Out of respect for the valiant efforts of our healthcare workers, especially those at the B.C. Cancer Agency and Vancouver General Hospital, as well as Ontario's regulations, all attendees must be double vaccinated at least two weeks prior.