Roland J. Anctil

He was born to Henri Anctil and Simone Roy in Ottawa and grew up in the Mechanicsville neighbourhood, where he met the woman who would later become his wife—Suzanne Trempe. At the age of 14, his father passed away and Roland was thrust into the role of caretaker for his mother, brother, and sisters. He left high school and enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces at 17, serving for 25 years in both the Logistics Branch, as well as the Regimental and (later) Base Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (BEME), reaching the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO). During his time in the army, he became a mechanic, served as a Peacekeeper in Cyprus, and was stationed in Germany during the 1970s and early 80s. He often told stories of his time in the forces and credited his service with changing the course of his life.

After retiring from the forces, he continued to work, but his time and energy were completely devoted to his family: to his wife Suzanne (married 52 years), to his sons Paul, Shawn, and Phil, to his grandchildren Élodie, Félix, Maya, and Olivier, as well as to the many children of extended family, friends, and neighbours for whom he played the role of backup grandfather.

In addition to his immediate family, Roland is survived by his brother, Robert, his sisters Ghislaine, and Jacquie, as well as the many friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and neighbours whom he graced with his easy smile, good humour, and compassion.

Should anyone wish to offer donations, the family asks that they be made in Roland’s memory to the Perley Rideau Health Foundation, who provided him with exceptional care in his final months.

A Service for Roland will be held on Saturday, March 25th at 11:00 AM at Église Catholique Ste-Geneviève, at 825 Canterbury avenue in Ottawa.