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William CODERRE Obituary
1942 - 2012
He was the very model of a modern renaissance man... it is with profound sadness that we announce that a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother, Dr. William (Bill) Coderre of Ottawa passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, September 20, 2012. Bill was the cherished husband of Nicole B. Charron and a loving son to Anita Coderre and his late father John (Jack) Coderre. Beloved father of Michael (Heather), Edward (Kristie) and Marc (late Marina) and step-daughter Sarah Booth. Proud grandfather of Michaela, Eleanor, Gabriel, Wilfrid and Benoit. Brother of John (Patricia), Paul (Nancy), Mary Anne (Paul), Patrick (Elaine), Kate (Tony), Margaret (Bill), David (Anne), Nita, Terry (Anne). His many nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends will miss his wry sense of humor and caring spirit. Bill was an artist, an author, a lyricist, a birdwatcher and a master of puns and limericks. He had a sharp mind and was a man of tremendous accomplishments and interests including: completing the National Capital Marathon (1979 & 1980), Canadian Ski Marathon (1981); canoeing from Kingston to Ottawa with his son Marc. He performed and wrote additional contemporary lyrics for the Savoy Society's productions for many years. He was the Coderre family historian and genealogist. In recent years, his favorite pastimes included writing (he authored several books) and travelling to far-flung places. Bill obtained a Ph.D. (Physics) from the University of Ottawa (1969). During his career he worked for Bell Northern Research, NRC, OCRI, Industry Canada, was the Science and Technology counsellor to the Canadian Mission to the European Union in Brussels, and recently retired from NSERC. Throughout his career, he endeavoured to facilitate scientific knowledge to policy makers, educators, and the general public. Bill will be tremendously missed and never forgotten. A public Mass of Remembrance will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, (44 Rothesay Drive, Kanata), on Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. In Memoriam, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence can be made through www.capitalmemorial.ca.
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29 Entries
Meg Barker
November 30, 2012
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Bill Coderre, and I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to his family. Bill was one of those inspirational people who moved around the science and technology funding and policy circles in Ottawa and abroad, such as at NRC, Industry Canada, DFAIT and NSERC. Always dedicated to his work, his enthusiasm and commitment communicated itself to others and called for the best effort. And what fun to see him in opera! I feel grateful to have known such a fine man.
Suzanne Auger
October 26, 2012
Nicole: I recently found out of Bill's passing and I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Take care Nicole!
From a retired NRC employee
October 11, 2012
Nicole; My sincere sympathies to you on the death of that great guy Bill. Unfortunately I was not in the city at the time, and only learned of his passing recently. Bill was always the true professional, and one of the best people to work with. Our many joint activities at NRC were always made more enjoyable by Bill's humour, and more productive by his dedication to doing a great job. I'm sure the many happy memories will sustain you over the coming days and years. Yours was a "real fine gentleman", sincerely Tom LeFeuvre
Ralph & Solange Byers
October 4, 2012
Nicole: we were so saddened in hearing of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
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October 4, 2012
“Bill was instrumental in establishing and directing the operations of the Regional Office network of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Under his leadership, five offices from coast to coast were added to complement the activities of this vibrant Ottawa based organization. In memory of Bill and in recognition of his love of birding, staff members of this network, many of whom Bill hired and nurtured, are making donations in his name to the Canadian Wildlife Foundation.”
Signed, NSERC Regional Office staff
Terry Coderre
September 30, 2012
Tribute to Bill (from his youngest brother, read at Bill's funeral reception)
Although I was too young to notice him studying for his PhD, Bill's love of science and education was always an inspiration to me. Bill was always very interested in my work, and I could tell just how proud of me he was -- his younger scientist godson. I was a little surprised a short while ago, when he told me that he always regretted that he studied Physics, and that he wished he had studied English or Fine Arts instead. I wished I told him at the time, that he really didn't need to study Fine Arts at school because he studied them on his own, and embraced them throughout his life. And what a full life -- he drew, he painted, he wrote poems, plays and books and operas, he acted and sang on stage, and he spotted more species of birds than the number of birds most of us ever even notice. -- But most of all he led – he led by example, and showed us all what life could be, when you lead it to the fullest.
One of the most memorable courses I took in University was one on creativity. And one of the most important things I learned from that course was that creativity was not only about scientific discovery, or painting and writing, but it was also about the nature of your interactions with others – the way you listen, respond and engage others, the jokes and puns, and even getting the joke. Even if he'd never picked up a pen or a paint brush, Bill was the most creative man I ever met. And in that course, I also learned that there can be nothing more creative than the love between people that care for each other. Bill was an inspiration to me, not only through his love of science and education, but also by the example that he set in fostering such caring love for family and friends. I am not sad for Bill that his life has ended, since he had such a full life. I am saddened for the rest of us, since we have lost such an inspiring leader and friend. But at the same time I am so happy we had the chance to know him, and to have learned all that we have from him. Thank you, Bill – we'll miss you!
September 29, 2012
Bill was a wonderful spirit, full of passion and humour (not to mention bad puns, great limericks and his love for Gilbert and Sullivan)... Above all he was an inspired and inspirational team member with our Office of the Chief Scientist and we have fond memories of his ever-abiding wisdom and guidance... You will be missed Bill.. My heartfelt sympathies to Nicole and the extended famille Coderre
Paul Dufour
Pauline Proulx
September 28, 2012
My condolences to the family. Having been neighbours with you so many years ago on Alesther Street, many wonderful memories are conjured up. I've had the pleasure of seeing some of you, including Bill, throughout years past and we always came up with a story, which included a good laugh about chilhood follies. May these and other good memories sustain you through these difficult times.
Diane Pieters
September 28, 2012
Nicole, I was so sorry to hear about Bill's recent passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Diane Pieters (NRC)
September 27, 2012
Margaret and Family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy with your sudden loss. May you find strength in memories .
Judy deBoer
September 27, 2012
Anita and family:
Our prayers and sympathy in your time of loss.
Jackie Sisk and family
jean-claude gavrel
September 27, 2012
Nicole,
Je vous transmets mes condoléances les plus sincères. Bill a été un collègue extraordinaire durant mes années au CRSNG, car en plus de sa sagesse, son sens de l'humour et ses grandes connaissances, il était intègre et passioné. Il a ainsi su, plus d'une fois, m'aider dans mes premiers pas comme fonctionnaire et je me souviendrais toujours de lui comme un grand homme.
September 27, 2012
Michael & Heather, We're sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Duncan & Marilyn May
Barbara Ivers
September 26, 2012
My sincere sympathy in your great loss.
I must have been about 7 here. I have missed my Uncle Bill a lot over the years, and regret now not having known him better.
June Maurais
September 26, 2012
Stanley & Audrey Kasakowski
September 26, 2012
Dear Michael We are so saddened to learn of the sudden loss of your dear Dad. Though we didn't know him personally after having read the wonderful, heartfelt obituary, we can see so much of him in you. His loss will be hard to bear, but we pray that you will be comforted by the knowledge that he now rests in the arms of The Lord. As time passes, may your heartache lessen and the joys of the happy memories you have of him, make the sky brighter. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. In His Love, Audrey & Stan Kasakowski.
Janet Walden
September 26, 2012
It was such a pleasure to work with Bill, he was always so full of ideas and energy, and was always there to offer his help. I will miss his smile, his wonderful stories, and his creative verse.
Bob Publicover
September 26, 2012
Bill was a valued and respected colleague during his years in Brussels.
It was very sad to learn that his life ended so early. He had so much to contribute.
Deep sympathies,
Bob Publicover
September 26, 2012
Thought's and prayer's today to all the family and blessed to have shared wonderful memories "Uncle Bill" will be sadly missed but truly remembered.
Linda Henry
September 26, 2012
Michael, Heather and Mika, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Danielle Ménard
September 26, 2012
It was a privilege and joy to have Bill as a colleague and friend. As a colleague, he was always the first to offer his help and he always did an amazing job, quickly and quietly. But it was Bill's support as a friend that I most valued. Bill was a wonderful and considerate man who gave thoughtful advice and never failed to cheer me on. I will miss you Bill.
Sincere condolences to Nicole and all of Bill's family, from my husband Gilles and myself,
September 26, 2012
To Michael, Heather and Mikals....Our heartfelt sympathies from the Fuller's, Wayne, Treaty, Kevin, and Kyle
Donna Balkan
September 26, 2012
Michael and Heather - I was very sorry to hear about your loss. He was a spirited, witty and wonderful man and an important part of the Savoy Society family. He will be missed by all of us.
Blair Dickerson
September 26, 2012
Bill was a wonderful colleague with a warm spirit, full of enthusiasm and always lots of time to mentor others. We still miss Bill at NSERC and we send our sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time.
September 26, 2012
Dear Michael - I send my very sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your father. Clearly, he was a remarkable man, and I know that you were proud of him. My thoughts, and those of the entire Canton Public Library staff, are with you at this very difficult time. -- Robert Simon
Wayne and Edith Devino
September 26, 2012
Michael and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you all.
Diane Fraser
September 26, 2012
I was shocked to hear about Bill's passing. He was one of the really great people at NSERC, which is where I met him. His energy and sense of fun were always welcome. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
September 26, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad, Our hearts and prayers are with you Mike and your family--Love Lukas and Ann Morin
Lauren Pouliot
September 26, 2012
Michael and Heather, so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers your way in this tough time.
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