Michel Poliquin

Predeceased by his parents: Doctor Philippe Poliquin (1994) and Helena Sarsfield (2003), and earlier this year, by his beloved wife of 52 years, Isobel Merleau.

Michel was born on September 16th 1937, in Amos Quebec, and was the eldest of 6 children: Diane(Don O’Neil), Marthe(Stan Uzelac), Helen(Roy Haugen), Philippe(Paula Arseneault), his brother Paul who are all left to mourn him.

His early years were spent in Maniwaki Quebec, and this was the pivotal place where he would meet his future wife Isobel. He furthered his education by obtaining his Bachelor degree in education, and later his Masters degree in linguistics. His was a life enriched by his love for language and it was this love that led him to become a translator. Michel was an intellectual: very studious, forever curious, and constantly reading and learning something new. There was always a political memoir of some sort close at hand. He got a twinkle in his eye when engaged in a good political debate. He wholeheartedly welcomed discussions about world affairs and current events with anyone who was up for it, usually at the dinner table, with a glass of red in hand. Michel spent much of his life in nature, enjoying the solace and beauty of “the bush”. His adventurous spirit and love for hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, and hunting were a constant backdrop to his life. He taught those around him to appreciate and respect the natural environment that he was so fond of.

Michel was a true gentleman who valued his family above everything – his only son Marc (Noelle Bruce), was a constant source of pride, as were his three grandchildren: Luke, Bennett and his “Princess” Arabella; all of whom he doted on. Beloved husband, father, Papi, brother and friend he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We will always remember him for his sage wisdom, and live by his often spoken words: “the best decision is the decision you make”. We will be forever grateful for the decisions that he made throughout his life which resulted in us sharing it with him.

A celebration of his life is being planned at St. Mark’s Evangelical Church in Aylmer Quebec in the Spring 2025, the date to be confirmed.

The family welcomes donations to the organization Parkinson Canada www.parkinson.ca in lieu of flowers.