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JULIEN ALLARD
We are sad to announce the passing of Julien Omer Allard at Riverview Health Centre on May 23, 2023 after a valiant bout with cancer. Born on April 9, 1957, in St. Boniface, Julien is survived by his wife Simone (née Hébert), sons Mathieu (Sylvie), Stéphane (Marta) and Dominic, his grandchildren Camille, Loïc, Quim, Ferran and Cèlia as well as Celeste and Émilie, whom he considered as such. Pre-deceased by his parents Doric (Red) Allard and Isabelle (née Verreault), he leaves behind his siblings Gérald (Muriel), Michel (Gestný), Jacqueline (Régis) and Gilbert (Luz) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Julien, literally the boy next door, met the love of his life in early childhood. The 11-year-old Julien convinced Simone to be his girlfriend. She changed her mind later that day. Undeterred by the setback, Julien reprised his courtship six years later and that teenage love blossomed into what Julien always described as a “long and glorious” 45-year marriage. Histoire d’antan, their wedding song, eventually became a well-known Franco-Manitoban anthem.
No matter what he did, Julien always worked hard. He was "a jack-of-all-trades, and master of none but often times better than a master of one" (Robert Greene). He started working first as an orderly, then a carpenter, then a remedial assistant with veterans at Deer Lodge Hospital. He was always ready to lend a hand to a friend or a family member.
In his early 30s, Julien decided to pursue a professional career as a schoolteacher. He first taught at Collège Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, before becoming the principal of École Viscount Alexander and ended his career as a vice-principal at École secondaire Oak Park High School. He left an indelible mark on scores of students and always considered his role as a teacher to go beyond the confines of the classroom. As an administrator, he was a valuable mentor to many colleagues and an agent of meaningful change in the schools he led.
Outside the classroom, Julien was deeply committed to the French language. Before completing a Masters in Education, Julien completed an Arts degree in French Literature, developing an appreciation for the work of the Franco-Manitoban author Gabrielle Roy. He later became President of the Board of Directors of La Maison Gabrielle-Roy. His determination to raise his children in French in a minority setting resulted in all his children and grandchildren speaking "la langue de Molière". This devotion to his mother tongue inspired a deep commitment to growing the French immersion program in Manitoba, namely through his work with Canadian Parents for French and his education career in French immersion schools.
Julien was a man of faith and principle. Raised as Roman Catholics, Julien and Simone converted to Protestantism, believing in a direct relationship with Jesus. First as a student of Christianity and later as an elder of various house churches, Julien believed that a living faith formed the basis of community. His faith, in turn, informed his principles: from integrity to forthrightness, from generosity to hospitality, from equity to social justice. He was honest and loyal to a fault and stood by his friends through thick and thin. His word was his bond.
Family and community meant everything to Julien. He was always thinking of things to do with his grandchildren and loved hosting them at the cottage in St. Georges. Julien could often be found volunteering his time and skills to better the community. Politics and social housing were dear to his heart. As recently as this past fall, he worked closely in the successful third-term election campaign of his son Mathieu and used his carpentry skills as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity more than once.
Julien was a mountain of a man both in character and constitution. His booming voice shook the walls and many people remember his belly laughs, which were just as loud. He grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and Gilbert Bécaud, Pink Floyd and Robert Charlebois. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible fishing and boating. He enjoyed playing solitaire, was a movie buff and Sudoku master but he most loved spending hours imagining construction projects big and small, whether for himself or others. He enjoyed food and loved to cook, but mostly to host people and gather them around a table. He was a proud dad and even prouder granddad.
As a celebration of life was already held for Julien last May, a private graveside ceremony, by invitation only, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Julien’s family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity. We can't thank the staff of Riverview Health Centre enough for their professional and compassionate care of Julien during the final weeks of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Stephanie and to nurse Maureen who was like an angel in his last days.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2023
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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J'ai pris énormément de plaisir à jaser avec Julien entre heures de classe au Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface en 1989-1990, lorsqu'il y était inscrit à 18 crédits de mathématiques. Puisqu'il était plus proche de mon âge que celui de presque tous les autres étudiants, nos sujets de discussion ne se limitaient aucunement aux contenus de cours. C'est ainsi que j'ai connu un homme plein de joie, qu'il communiquait à tous. Il laisse un vide dans la vie de tous ceux qui l'ont connu. - Posted by: Rolland Gaudet (Professeur) on: Jun 04, 2023
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We have many fond memories of working with Julien during our time in Pembina Trails. When we think of Julien we think of his big smile, good humour, and love of the French language. Our condolences go out to the whole family. Rest in peace cher Julien. Cristina & Stan - Posted by: Cristina Molinari & Stan Wiebe (Former colleagues) on: Jun 03, 2023
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"Je vous prie d'accepter nos condoléances les plus sincères. "Nos pensées vous accompagnent vous et votre famille pendant cette période douloureuse." "La vie est éphémère, mais le souvenir d'un être cher reste. Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de courage, et sommes de tout cœur à vos côtés."Si ce n’était pas votre aide at amour et dévouement je ne serai pas dans la maison que j’habite depuis 20 ans. Tu as beaucoup contribué pour sa construction. Tu sera toujours dans notre cœur Julien. - Posted by: Alice Ndabacekure (Friend ) on: Jun 01, 2023
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I’m a cousin of Julien. We left St-Boniface in 1964 for Hull, Québec. As a follower of Christ, I can assure you that I will see him in the future and will praise Jesus with him for eternity. Jesus IS Lord. He is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.” John 14:6 Gilles - Posted by: Gilles Verreault (Cousin) on: May 29, 2023
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Julien, good and kind man - we keep you in our hearts. - Posted by: Pamela Orr (Friend) on: May 29, 2023
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My memory of Julien is walking home from Auntie Belle’s with my sister and mom. We met Julien in the lane, on his way home. He stayed on the back stoop and smiled and waved goodbye until we disappeared. As my mom said then, what a sweet guy. - Posted by: Lorraine Decock (Cousin) on: May 28, 2023
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Mes sympathies a mes petites cousines Simone Allard et Jacqueline Gosselin. I have never met Julien personally, but have heard good things from others of him. Julien is my 3rd cousin on the Allard/Verreault/Champagne side of the family while Simone is also my 3rd cousin on the Hebert/Valcourt/Baril side of the family. Julien you may be gone but the essence of your spirit will linger with the people who knew you. - Posted by: Richard Girouard (3rd cousin) on: May 28, 2023
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M. Allard was a great teacher who didn't pull any punches. I have fond memories of him as a chaperone on our trip to Europe. - Posted by: Laura (Former Student) on: May 27, 2023
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I had him as a teacher at CPET around 20 years ago. He was a great teacher and fun to hang out with during school events and trips. He will be missed. - Posted by: Kristin P (Former Student) on: May 27, 2023
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We are saddened to know Julien has passed. From the first time we met, we always had interesting chats and lots of laughs. He will be missed in our little town. Deepest condolences to Simone and family. - Posted by: David & Belinda (Friends) on: May 27, 2023
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To Gilbert, Julien's brother and a work acquaintance of mine at UW and Simone, his wife, with whom I graduated high school, my condolences on Julien's untimely passing. My thoughts are with you. Bon courage. - Posted by: Louise Lepine (one-time acquaintance of Julien's and Simone) on: May 27, 2023
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I am saddened to hear of the loss of Monsieur Allard. He was definitely a favourite teacher of mine. He inspired and influenced so many and we were all better off for having him as a teacher. While I don’t remember all the classes I had with him, I do remember his laugh and his kind smile. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Kathryn (Former student) on: May 27, 2023
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Rest in peace, Julien. You have fought the good fight and will be missed! - Posted by: Ted Fransen (former colleague) on: May 27, 2023
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