Denis Marcel Emard

He is the son of Thérèse Courchaine and the late Reynald Emard. He is also the easy-going, fun-loving husband of Dean McCuaig who thought of him as the stars in his night sky and the human being who always grounded him in today. He has siblings who he loved dearly, individually, and collectively – Robert Emard (Jacquie), Suzanne Emard (Etienne), Michel Emard (Hélène). Denis was fortunate to be an uncle and a great uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. If you knew Denis, you know it would not be appropriate to leave out his much-loved pets, Peggy (cat) and Charlie (pug). They too loved him with all of their hearts.

For his final walk on the path to heaven, Denis was dressed in clothes that all the animals he has ever loved would find him easily when he arrives in heaven. Denis could be interpreted at times as having a crusty exterior, but if you looked closely, you would see that he was an advocate for others - always. In his advocacy, he was direct and focused often on human rights. It was a value that he lived by - to protect others, regardless if they were a person or an animal. So many neighbors and shop-keepers in Westboro have stories of his random acts of kindness and his personal charm that brightened their days. If the measure of our existence is the impact we have on the world around us, then Denis comes out on the top of the scale. He saved animals - any and all. He helped others - any and all, even total strangers. Denis often bought flowers for people who he felt needed the world to give back to someone who was experiencing a bad day. His values were solid. His kindness was endless, and his ability to advocate for others he was trying to protect - was fierce. People thought Dean was the control freak in the relationship, but when Denis had his mind made up on something there was no way for even Dean to get him to budge from his position. He had his convictions. He knew his own mind. He advocated for others. He protected animals. He was a son and a brother. He is my best friend and a loving husband. These are the qualities that measure his impact on the world. It was profound.

In his final days he received compassionate care at the Ottawa Civic Hospital where the staff made him feel like every day was a good day, even in the hospital. Dr. Lisa Cross from the Community Palliative Medicine Associates cared for Denis in his final moments and ensured he was treated with mercy, grace and love.

In memory of Denis donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Under My Wing Pug Rescue

( http://www.undermywingpugrescue.com ) would be appreciated.

A celebration of life will be held with the immediate family on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM. For those who would like to assist virtually in the celebration, you can join with the following link:

https://funeraweb.tv/fr/diffusions/30485.