Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Marc Garneau
1949 - 2025
Marc Garneau
1949 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1949
DIED
2025
Marc Garneau Obituary
Marc Garneau, as astronaut who was the first Canadian in space and who once served as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, died June 4, 2025, after a short illness in Montreal at the age of 76.
Garneau was a commander in the Canadian Armed Forces when he was chosen to become part of the first Canadian Astronaut Program (CAP) group, one of just six chosen from over 4,300 applicants. On October 5, 1984, he became the first Canadian to reach space, doing so aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. In 1989, he left the Armed Forces and became director of CAP, flying two more space missions (in 1996 and 2000) before becoming the president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2001. He went into politics in the years ahead: he was elected to the House of Commons in 2008, and in 2021, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He left politics and retired from public life in 2023.
"I join all Canadians tonight in mourning the passing of Marc Garneau," Canadian Prime Minster Mark Carney said on Facebook. "A naval officer, a history-making astronaut, and a public servant of exceptional distinction, he brought dedication and duty to every post he held." Col. Chris Hadfield agreed: "Marc Garneau was my role model, mentor, 30-plus year close friend and a brave and exemplary Canadian for us all. My heart goes out to his family. The world has lost a very good man."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
26 Entries
Mr.Jr.
July 10, 2025
My Condolences.
Jack Stow
June 18, 2025
Dear Pam, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time Jack and Lesley Stow
Andrew Kunz
June 14, 2025
My condolences to all of you. I have many great memories of Marc, from Halifax, visiting you in Ottawa, and inviting him into my class to speak with my students. He was always kind and friendly. I will always remember the last shuttle launch. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers from my family
yewande olagbemi
June 11, 2025
marc Garneau was a beacon of hope to this world in which he inspired a lot of intellectuals. He encouraged me to make the best of myself by attaining an education.
May your soul rest in peace.
From the depths of my heart
Yewande Olagbemi
How you can show support
Steve E. Hrudey
June 10, 2025
These photos in the Italian and Swiss Alps (the Matterhorn) are from April 1971 when Marc Garneau, Marc Parent, Luc Mongrain and myself did a ski trip during a break from engineering classes at Imperial College in London where we were all studying on an Athlone Fellowship.
Logan tsang
June 10, 2025
Im doing a commemoration for him, anyone have any fun memories
Jean Basdeo
June 10, 2025
Marc HONOURS OUR GODDESS.
Thomas Iannella
June 9, 2025
I spent time with Marc after he returned from his space mission. We visited universities and he gave presentations about his space adventure. He was a Naval Officer, Astronaut, scientist, politician and a true gentleman. Canada will miss him, his family will miss him I will miss him. RIP Captain (N) Garneau.
robert cunning
June 9, 2025
Marc was my flatmate and friend in London in the 1970's. He was at Imperial College as a postgraduate phd student. I was at the LSE. He was a great person even in his 20's, very thorough and sound in everything he did. I was the opposite, somehow we got on.
Later on he and his 2 children came to visit us in Shropshire England. He had been an astronaut, the first Canadian in space , by that time.
Still a very modest person. I followed his career in politics and public life, always proud that I knew him as a young person.
My thoughts are with his family.
Bob Cunning
Adrienne Vienneau
June 9, 2025
On behalf of Christie Lake Kids, a grassroots charity based in Ottawa, we wish to pass along our deepest condolences to Pam and Marc's extended family. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
J Ehrenberg
June 8, 2025
I had the honor of meeting him once, he was remarkably polite and humble. Signs of a great man who understood his success was really a collective success. May he rest in eternal peace.
Nancy Brandsma
June 8, 2025
Hi Simone and Yves, You probably don't remember me but I was in your grade 3 or 4 class in Ottawa. I don't remember any specific interaction between us other than thinking your dad was so cool being an astronaut. It may have lead me to my fascination about Halley's comet in 1986. I was painfully shy at that time. I am glad to see both of you are living a fulfilling life.
We are most likely the same age and my father is about the same age as yours so your loss feels close to home. Please accept my sincere condolences. Sincerely, Nancy Brandsma (maiden name Bouchard)
J Sieglaff
June 8, 2025
I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Jumaane Johnson
June 7, 2025
Dear Pamela and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and dear father to your children. I remember him fondly when he would read the lessons at our Christmas services especially the last Christmas Eve service. I'm going to miss his readings a lot. My sincere condolences to you and your family!!
Jumaane Johnson
Parishner at Saint Matthias Church Westmount
Dr Brenda Puchinger
June 6, 2025
Dear Pamela,Simone, Osgur, Adrian,George and sweet Ella ,
We all feel blessed with the time that we were able to spent with Mr. Garneau .
He always treated us with kindness,integrity and a true sense of gentleness that put us all at ease.
We have not only lost a great astronaut and Canadian political figure
but an amazing patriarch of his beautiful family.
His legacy will live on.
Sending love and light,
Drs Brenda, Laszlo Puchinger ,and entire team.
Luc montgrain
June 6, 2025
J´ai connu Marc lors de notre séjour en Angleterre comme boursiers Athlone de la promotion 1970. Marc, ta carrière a connu bien des péripéties, reposes toi maintenant, tu l´as bien mérité. Luc Montgrain
Maureen, Marc, Devin & Ayden
June 6, 2025
Thinking of you Pam, Adrien, George and family...at this sad time especially...and remembering Marc as a most kind man and friendly neighbour, and now his legacy to his beloved country Canada.
Mary
June 6, 2025
NASA and Canadaian neighbor to those of detroit border ambassador bridge and ATT headquarters bldg
Christine Dandurand
June 6, 2025
I volunteered at Marc Garneau's campaign office and helped out. I was very fortunate to take some wonderful pics of his volunteers and of Marc Garneau himself. This is my favorite. The moment he walked back in the door and shared the happy news of his winning his seat.
R.I.P. Mr. Garneau and my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Jeff Beedell
June 5, 2025
Sincerest condolences to Pam and family.
We join you in mourning the loss of an extraordinary Canadian who represented us brilliantly in Space, on the Hill, and as our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Globally.
Suzanne (Garneau) Chénier
June 5, 2025
Our childhoods and paths crossed so many times over the years. As your Ottawa cousin, I´m so lucky to have shared special moments with you. You never ceased to amaze your Ottawa family. Thank you for always finding the time for your uncle and aunt, Pierre and Lucille Garneau. Your sense of humour, kindness, and brilliance are already missed.
Sheila Dobie
June 5, 2025
A gentleman of integrity, honest and trustworthy! In the Providential Care of God!
Danny William Agapas
June 5, 2025
I heard about Marc's passing last night on the CTV National News. I'd like to express my sincere condolences Marc's family and friends for their loss. As an astronaut in space, he travelled beyond the clouds to explore our solar system at one point in his life. Now, he has earned the priviledge to fly beyond our solar system, and see a land beyond our imaginations. He is now in Paradise forevermore.
Savi Sachdev
June 5, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Pam and family on Marc's passing. We have known Marc since 1983 when he and Savi were in the first Canadian astronaut selection process, and then at the Canadian Space Agency when he was President. We admired him for his integrity and strength of character. He will be missed.
Linda and Savi Sachdev
Dennis Novitsky
June 5, 2025
My condolences to the Garneau family. My older brother Bob Novitsky was a very close friend of Marc's during their years together at RMC. I had the opportunity to meet Marc when he, my brother and another RMC classmate drove across Canada one summer (~1970). Marc was a competitive swimmer at RMC and he gave me tips on how to improve my breast stroke. A trivial matter on the surface but his advice was sound. On behalf of my deceased brother and myself, it was our great privilege to call Marc a friend. Dennis Novitsky
Edward Dottin
June 5, 2025
To the man that let me know winning is easy when you have the recipe. Thank you Mr. G rest easy. Until we meet again.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Marc Garneau's name
How to support Marc'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Marc Garneau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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