With his daughter Julie Ann at his side, Joseph (Jos) Elzear Brunet died on Saturday July 26 at the Monfort Hospital in Ottawa. Jos was the only child of Joseph Elzear Brunet of Calumet, Quebec and Rose Amy McGill (Griffin) of Arnprior. He grew up enjoying rural pleasures and it was in childhood that he began a lifelong fascination with rocks and minerals which led to his career as an exploration geologist.
After graduation from high school in Hawkesbury, Jos attended the University of Ottawa where he was one of only three geology majors in the Faculty of Science commencement ceremony of 1965. After early jobs with the Quebec Department of Mines, Jos spent 30 years with De Beers Corporation, searching for diamonds in Greenland, Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec and the Eastern Arctic. He loved his career, and despite taking early retirement, was a geologist until the end.
On December 27, 1965 he married Lois Ann Miller (dec. January 19, 2018) of Ottawa and together they had one child, their daughter Julie Ann Levett-Kiala Buloki. Their marriage was a source of comfort and enjoyment, and Jos was a steadfast caregiver to Lois. Jos leaves behind his daughter Julie Ann, her husband Fidèle Francis, grandchildren Adrienne Levett (Simon) and Graham Levett (Kevin). He leaves as well his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rita and Bill Chinkiwsky.
The last years of Jos’ life were spent at the New Edinburgh Square, where he enjoyed new friends including Guy Berthiaume and Claire Labelle-Montreuil. From January 2025 until 2 weeks before his death he resided at CSLD Montfort, where he was cared for with skill, affection and dignity.
A private family burial has taken place at Beechwood Cemetery. Friends, family and neighbours are warmly welcomed to attend a Celebration of Life for Jos beginning at 11 am on Saturday, August 30th at the Routhier Community Centre at 172 Guigues Avenue in Lowertown. A reception will follow the gathering. In Memoriam donations may be made to the Montfort Foundation if desired.
Digital Guestbook
Micheline Leger
Samia Masrouri
Mes Sincères condoleances,Que la patience remplace son amour.
Karyn Steer
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared, and strength in the warmth of family and friends.
Ann Mary Kearney-Gauvin
Our sincere sympathies and prayers to Julie Ann and Joe's family and friends. We have many wonderful memories of times spent with Joe & Lois over the years both in Quebec City and Ottawa. He was an extremely kind and generous person, always there to be of assistance, when needed.
RIP
Ann & Jacques
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.