Obituary of Tony Dupuis

Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Family man. Loyal friend. Bon vivant.

 

Tony was all these things and many more. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him for too many reasons to count.

 

Tony’s full and rich 79+ years began in Cornwall, Ontario as the first of four children to Roy and Bernice Dupuis. His formative years included hockey matches at the local rink, duties as an altar boy at St. Columban’s Church, and a part-time job at Dover’s Menswear.

 

Tony left Cornwall in 1964 to join the Ontario Provincial Police. Stationed in Rockland and then in Bells Corners, he relished sharing his many legendary patrol stories with family and friends.

 

In the late 1970’s, Tony sought out new challenges. He left the OPP, went back to school and obtained a Master’s degree in economics from uOttawa in 1982. He later joined Statistics Canada where he rose through the ranks of the agency.

 

While there, he met Debbie, who would become the love of his life and best friend. They were married among the flowers of the Experimental Farm Arboretum on a hot June day in 1991.

 

Debbie’s love came with two children, Chris and Julie, for whom Tony quietly and loyally became a father, role model, and unwavering supporter. Cherished, heart-warming memories include adventures in dog ownership, family trips, weekly Sunday dinners, and daily family life.

 

Tony and Debbie retired together in 2008. They pursued many leisure activities, travelled extensively, and relished their role as grandparents to Oliver, Everly, and Emmett.  Grandpa eagerly attended birthday parties, recitals, swimming, skating and hockey lessons, and any other activities involving his grandchildren.  He loved being with his grandchildren and they adored him in return.

 

After a remarkable, 5-plus-year journey with advanced mesothelioma, fuelled by relentless determination and an unwaveringly positive attitude, Tony passed away peacefully at home with the love of his life by his side and surrounded by the love of family.

 

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Tony is also survived by his siblings Kirke (Terry, predeceased), Linda (Germain, predeceased), Susan (Réal)), sons-in-law JF and Steve, nieces Shari (Kevin), Angela (Jim), Mari, and Laura (Chris), sister-in-law Shelley, and other family and friends near and far.

 

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the many health care professionals at the Ottawa and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, and to home care workers who provided care to Tony and supported Tony and his family throughout this journey.

 

Particular thanks to Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price who provided excellent treatment and compassionate care to Tony. Tony was able to benefit greatly from the vital and promising work of many medical and research professionals on lung cancer management and alternative treatments such as immunotherapy. His family is eternally grateful for the precious gift of quality time that this opportunity provided.

 

Research in these areas is on-going and worthy of support.

 

Memorial donations can be made to the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Please indicate that your contribution is to go to Cancer Research and under the “What Inspired You to Donate” section, please include the following “Please direct my donation to Dr. Wheatley-Price’s research and in memory of Tony Dupuis”. 

 

 

Tony’s final resting place will be at Ottawa’s Pinecrest Cemetery.