Obituaries
Here is the obituary for
LAREAU, Serge Reid
2021-04-09
February 4, 1943—April 9, 2021
After enjoying his final hours outside, basking in the warm rays of the sun which he so loved, it is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Serge Lareau, at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal on Friday, April 9 at 3:17 pm.
Born in Valleyfield, Quebec, he spent his early years in La Paz (Bolivia) before moving to Switzerland. He attended Ecolint-International School of Geneva (1960), studied and later taught at UQAM, and received his Masters in Environmental Studies from York University in 1980. He put his education to good use in some of the positions he later held: HR Manager at Radio Canada in Montreal, a Consultant for International Labour Organization in Geneva, and Project Manager for Central Cooperativa in El Salvador.
Serge lived his life to the fullest. “One has to live a whole life to find out how short it really is,” he would often say. An international traveller, philosopher, intellectual, political enthusiast, and a trilingual man of the world, his “joie de vivre” included: sailing, tennis, skiing, music, books, a good cigar, fine wine, well-aged rum, along with his penchant for good food and great conversation. He was a born storyteller, witty, never at a loss for words, was quick with a joke (and a pun!), and always loved a party.
A passionate man, son, brother, father, grandfather, cousin, and friend, Serge meant something different to everyone he touched. He celebrated the everyday things in life, took it in stride, and always tried to look on the bright side, often in a comical way. He understood the importance of family and friends, and cherished those close to him.
Serge is predeceased by his parents John and Rachel, brother Robert, and survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children Pamela DesLauriers (nee Starret), son Jonathan (Beverly Arseneault), daughter Jessica (Perry Schofield), grandchildren Andrew and Christopher Schofield, and brother Paul, along with his extended family and friends, including many beloved cousins, second cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Our most sincere thanks to Lucie Lord and all those who loved and cared for him, especially in his final days.
Serge would want us to remember him with laughter and smiles, not tears, to raise a glass in his memory, and know that he has not gone forever, but simply “Gone Sailing.”
Que le vaya muy bien, Sergio.
Video: https://youtu.be/GMoVz0CtAVM
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
