Le May passed away at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, in his 96th year. Family and close friends gathered for the burial service on July 23. Beloved husband of the late Raymonde Le May (Marenger), son of the late Aldéa Roy and late Alfred Le May; loving father of Michel (Judy), Claire (Gilles), and Lise (Gerry). Devoted grand-father to Eric, Melanie, Sébastien, Patrick, Josée-Anne, Stephen, Danny and Alex. Sweet great grand-father to Coralie, Kellianne, Nathan, Nicholas, Jérémy, Gabryel, Lauryanne, Médrick, Victoria and Olivia. Dear uncle of Denise Lalonde. Cherished great uncle to Sylvie Lalonde-Gaudreault (Erik). Adored great great uncle of Alexandre.
Dad was amongst the brave Canadians who fought on the beach of Normandy during WW2. After returning from the war, he married our mom on November 9, 1946. He worked for the Civil Service for 35 years promoting safety in the workplace. He pursued a second career in the printing and engraving business. Part of the basement was occupied with a letterpress, a Multilith, a rotaprint, and scanning equipment. Dad voluntarily printed the High School newspaper, “Le Feu Vert”. He was creative and patented a unique ceiling hanging clip which sold well on the Canadian market.
Dad enjoyed the outdoors. The entire family, children and grandchildren, have so many fond memories of his cottage by the lake at Notre Dame du Laus. We will forever remember all the great family meals. There was never a dull moment with Dad. He enjoyed boating, fishing, tennis, golf, ping-pong, and billiards. He had a passion for music. He played the harmonica and a bit of piano. He owned a huge collection of vinyl records. He saved an original sheet music of one of his favourites, “Lili Marleen”, which he retrieved while overseas in WW2.
At the age of 86, he tackled a long-envisaged project, he put together and typed his memoir: “My First Twenty-Three Years On This Planet”. His long time friend, Marcel Lemay (not related) created a web site: “www.rcaf127.50webs.com” and posted dad’s e-book, his CD along with multiple photos and documentation of his years in the military. Subsequently, his grandson Patrick had his memoir printed in a book.
On numerous occasions, he was invited to attend as a guest and occasionally participate as a guest speaker to several commemorative ceremonies. He would proudly give away his book and CD to all the special guests such as the King of Netherlands, the Governor General, the Ministers, the Mayor, the Ambassadors and other Dignitaries.
On April 30th 2015, dad proudly recited along with Sarah Daviau and Allen McRae the poem “In Flanders Fields” during a ceremony at the parliament to unveil a new Royal Canadian Mint $20 silver coin and a new Canada Post stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields.
He also loved singing. At the age of 95, through the Orchard Walk residence’s living Wish program, he fulfilled his dream to sing with a band Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way”.
A few months before his passing, with the assistance of G. Matthews, (Aviation museum), and his friend S. Palma, he posted his war memories on You Tube: “Jean Le May memories of WW2”. Two days before slipping into a peaceful coma, he sang his favourite song “You Are My Sunshine”.
Our family expresses gratitude to Dr. A. Gauthier for years of utmost devotion and compassion; we are also thankful to the many others who helped Dad: Dr. M. Labinaz, Dr. C. Morash, Dr. B. St-Jean, Dr. S. Ziai; to all the staff at Orchard Walk for the TLC and for promoting Dad’s passion for singing. Thanks to K. Belisle, J. Aradani and S. Palma for the exceptional care. Dad was generous and contributed to many charities. For those who wish to donate, please consider the Montfort Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Foundation, or the Ottawa Heart Institute.
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