With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Jean-Paul Delisle, age 75. He was a man of many talents and excelled in academics (Master's degree/Political Science, University of Ottawa, 1973), athletically (represented Canada for volleyball in the 1970 World Student Games in Turino, Italy) or as a musician on drums. He had a beautiful singing voice. He travelled to Thailand at his expense with the Welsh Choir of HK, all proceeds raised going to Operation Smile.
Jean-Paul's 30 year career path with Foreign Affairs gave him the opportunity to proudly serve & represent Canada in Jamaica, Yugoslavia, Nigeria, France, Egypt & Asia. He was immensely respected throughout by everyone he dealt with for his astute critical thinking & analysis, sense of fairness, sincerity & honesty.
While living in Hong Kong Jean-Paul started on a new & exciting career path as an entrepreneur (& inventor), inventing & winning the Consumer Product of the Year Award. After 7 years, he joined Microsoft ( Asia) as one of their leading forensics expert. Returning to Canada in 2009, he joined Takeda Pharmaceuticals in a similar role as a consultant. He embraced all of his working years with a sense of wonder, curiosity & enjoyment no matter the task at hand. His colleagues describe him as an outstanding professional as well as a wonderful friend & a person of moral strength & integrity.
In retirement, Jean-Paul put in the same amount of zest, seriousness & fun in golf, curling, travelling, cruising & voracious readings. He loved "road trips" of which there were many, always prefering the longer scenic routes.
Most of all, Jean-Paul worshiped & cherished his family. He leaves to grieve his loving wife, Diane (Soulard), his three children & their partners, Eric in Montreal, Julie (Hermann), & Marc-André (Anuli) in Nova Scotia as well as his six grandchildren, Juliette, Léa, Élise, Loïc, late Aviana & Arlo, his four sisters, Suzanne, Claire (Gosson), Denise & Nicole as well as his sisters-in-law, Suzanne Paris, Claudette Mantha.
In Tina Turner's words, to all who loved him, Jean-Paul was "SIMPLY THE BEST".
Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 29, 2023 at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue Ottawa from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Charitable donations for those who wish to the Ottawa Food Bank in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.
C'est avec le coeur lourd que nous annonçons le décès soudain de Jean-Paul Delisle, âgé de 75 ans. C'était un homme aux multiples talents, tant sur le plan académique (maîtrise/science politique, Université d'Ottawa, 1973), qu'athlétique (représenta le Canada pour le volleyball aux 1970 World Student Games à Turin, Italie) et musical (batterie). Chantant d'une belle voix, il s'est rendu en Thaïlande à ses frais avec le Welsh Choir de HK afin de lever des fonds pour Operation Smile.
Pendant 30 ans, Jean-Paul a fait carrière aux Affaires étrangères ce qui lui a permis de servir et représenter le Canada avec fierté en Jamaïque, en Yougoslavie, au Nigéria, en France, en Egypte et en Asie (HK). Il était immensément respecté par ses pairs qui appréciaient son esprit critique, son sens de l'équité, sa sincérité et son honnêteté.
Toujours à Hong Kong, Jean-Paul a commencé une nouvelle carrière passionnante d'entrepreneur et d'inventeur qui lui a valu le prix du produit de consommation de l'année. Par la suite, il a travaillé pour Microsoft (Asie) en tant qu'un de leurs principaux experts en criminalistique. Finalement, à son retour au Canada en 2009, il sera conseiller auprès de Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Tout au cours de sa carrière, c'est avec émerveillement, curiosité et plaisir qu'il s'appliquait, qu'importe la tâche à accomplir. Ses ex-collègues le décrivent comme un professionnel exceptionnel, ainsi qu'un merveilleux ami de grande force morale et d'intégrité.
A la retraite, c'est encore avec sérieux, énergie et passion que Jean-Paul s'est adonné au golf, au curling, aux voyages et croisières , ainsi qu'à beaucoup de lecture. Il adorait faire de nombreux "road trips", préférant souvent les routes secondaires.
Par dessus tout, Jean-Paul adorait et chérissait sa famille. Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse bien aimée, Diane (Soulard), ses trois enfants et leurs conjoints, Eric à Montreal, Julie ( Hermann) et Marc-André ( Anuli) à Halifax ainsi que ses 6 petits enfants, Juliette, Léa, Élise, Loïc, feu Aviana et Arlo, ses 4 soeurs, Suzanne, Claire (Gosson), Denise et Nicole ainsi que ses belle-soeurs, Suzanne Paris et Claudette Mantha.
La crémation a déjà eu lieu. Une Célébration de Vie aura lieu le 29 juin 2023 au Centre commémoratif national Beechwood, 280, avenue Beechwood Ottawa de 14 h à 17 h. Au lieu de fleurs, un don à la Banque alimentaire d'Ottawa serait grandement apprécié.
Digital Guestbook
Adriana Reid
Brian Le Conte
So sorry to hear about Jean Paul. Deepest sympathies to Diane, children and family. I hope the photo I wanted to submit has gone through - I took it at a hotel in Bath, Jamaica where we had stopped for a little outing on Dec 27, 1974. My former wife and I had been posted to Kingston in 1973 and had welcomed our first born a few weeks before this picture. The Delisles had arrived that summer, already experienced parents. We would spend some more good times together on the Island before we went our separate ways but I always was glad to hear of Jean Paul's accomplishments and to see him again occasionally in retirement. Peace be upon all of you.
Judy Wong Ken
Jamaica 1975- playing a very large and very important part in our very large family’s lives… His efforts, foresight and vision for our family has extended beyond all measures. Paving the way for our future generations to share and to shine. I am ever so grateful for my parents meeting (and always talking about) this very, very special person(s)
I pause and reflect on the wonder… It is with great sadness but sheer delight and honor to have played a part in his great story, his great love of life. My deepest condolences to you Diane & your loving family.
Greta Climer
I learned so very much from Jean-Paul. Perhaps most importantly, to show up in my full humanity always. I am so grateful to have overlapped with him in this lifetime. Sending love to all who grieve this great man.
Erica Farebrother & Marc Webber
The world has lost a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed. Wishing you comfort from happy memories, Erica & Marc
Remy
Jean-Paul was my favourite colleague/manager in my working life. He was my mentor when I worked for Microsoft. His taught me a lot at work unconditionally and it was fun to work with him. There were so many good memories with him and I’d never forgotten how good you treated me. Rest in peace, JP!
TeA TH Ng
I am devastated to hear the news - my deepest sympathy and condolences to dearest Diane & family for your loss. I cherish the fond memories of Jean-Paul in my heart, rest in peace...
Jacques Yvan Beaulieu et Roselyne
Diane, nos sincères condoléances. Nous garderons toujours un bon souvenir de ces années que nous avons passées d’abord en Jamaïque puis à Paris pendant que nous travaillions pour Immigration Canada. Je me souviens tout particulièrement de la détermination de Jean-Paul au bureau mais aussi de son grand sens de l’humour. Salutations, Jean-Paul…
John and Cheri Orr
Our most sincere condolences to you Diane and to your family. We remember our time together in Cairo fondly as we were learning the ropes of "la vie diplomatique." Jean-Paul will always be remembered by us as the quick-thinking hero who rescued our daughter who was stranded at Charles de Gaulle airport on her way to Egypt. Jean-Paul was a wonderful person who will be missed by all those who came in touch with him.
Val Carriere
Mes plus sincères condoléances Éric …mes pensées sont avec vous ! Je t’aime mon ami ! Xox
Dear Diane
I was saddened to read about JP’s sudden passing. Please accept my sincere condolences . I have great memories of bowling on his team, always a true gentleman. May all the fond memories you have of him be a source of comfort to you all during this difficult time.