Pierre Nantais passed away peacefully at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Saturday, September 21, 2024 after a courageous battle against cancer. Despite this final struggle, he left this world as he lived it – by making us laugh and smile in the company of family and friends who had come from far and wide to support him.
Born to Helene Brodeur and Robert Nantais on January 2, 1949 in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, he spent his childhood in Ottawa. He was the big brother to his siblings Giselle, Leo, Jean and Sylvie. A natural leader with a strong independent streak and a magnetic personality, he had many adventures and made new friendships as he travelled across Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan, among others.
That sense of adventure continued as he made his way to Germany and then to England, where he met his first wife, Hilda Nantais (nee McQuade) on a train to London. They married in England, moved to Ottawa, and welcomed their only child Simon, in 1975.
He had many passions in life, especially his love of photography, which earned him awards and other accolades. True to his gregarious nature, he loved to chat with strangers and take their portraits.
When he retired, he found a new lease on life when he met Joanne Kembel in 2015 and moved to Shuniah, Ontario in 2016. He brought all his best qualities together to create a wonderful life. He was a passionate advocate for his new community and was known informally as the “mayor of Amethyst Avenue” for his ability to connect with everyone and serve as the municipality’s unofficial photographer. In his final act, he led a campaign to maintain the community’s unique character.
Pierre is survived by his son Simon and daughter-in-law Mikako, his siblings Giselle (Claude), Leo, Jean, and Sylvie, his granddaughter Maryse Ayano. He is survived by his wife Joanne Kembel, his stepson D.J. (Amy) and his step-granddaughters Olivia and Emily. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family members. He is survived by his first wife Hilda and his second wife Eileen. He was predeceased by his parents Helene Brodeur and Robert Nantais.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Rev. Joyce Yanishewski officiating. Pierre and his family greatly appreciated the care he received during his cancer treatments. Therefore in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Northern Cancer Fund or to Hospice Northwest. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
