Born January 26, 1957 in Gray, France. Passed away peacefully on December 16, 2016 in Saanich Peninsula Hospital following 6 months of illness. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Diane; daughter, Adèle; sister, Elisabeth; brother, Bertrand; nieces, Sophie, Fanny, Fairo; nephew, Yoda and his family in France and Canada.
The family wish to thank the staff and Doctors at Saanich Peninsula Hospital Palliative Care Ward and the BC Cancer Clinic for their exceptional care.
The Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm.
Flowers gratefully declined.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
49 Responses
C’est difficile de croire qu’un homme si généreux et aimable nous a quitté L’absence de Didier vous semble une grande peine, mais le temps s’écoule. La peine sera toujours là, mais plus facile à endurer. Mes plus sincères condoléances à Diane et Adèle. Liz Lebel
Sincères condoléances à Diane et à Adèle, à la famille et aux amis qui, tout comme nous, sont encore sous le choc de cette immense perte. Sachez que nous sommes de tout cœur avec vous en ces moments difficiles. Nous garderons dans notre cœur tous les bons moments vécus à travers toutes ces années passées à la Maison Française à apprécier toutes les grandes qualités de Didier. Il me manquera toujours mais son souvenir restera. Encore une fois, toutes nos sympathies. Noua aurons une pensée spéciale pour lui aujourd’hui à 17 h (14h). Yves Lafond (LMF 86 à 98) et Dany Larivée
Très vive émotion….
Nous étions dans les mêmes chorales et ensembles vocaux fin des années 60 jusqu’en 1980…
De la chorale paroissiale qu’animait son Père, Michel….jusqu’au Contrepoint de Besançon…et quelques épisodes au Cœur Symphonique et celui de l’Opéra de Besançon….
Du lycée Cournot à Gray…jusqu’ à la faculté de Besançon….
Les souvenirs laissés sur ce site par ses amis qui l’ont connu depuis au Canada sont émouvants….j’ai connu, il y a bien longtemps, le même personnage, drôle, passionné de musique, de rythme, imitateur doué et si délicieusement moqueur….
Dans l’air résonnent, un choral de Bach, un madrigal de Monteverdi, une javanaise de Gainsbourg, un Love Me de Polnareff, du Brassens, du Leforestier……au doux et musical souvenir de Didier.
Ma femme, Patricia, se joint à moi pour témoigner à sa sœur Elisabeth (zizou) et son frère Bertrand notre réelle sympathie.
Nous ne connaissons pas son épouse Diane ni sa fille Adèle, cependant nous leur adressons nos très sincères condoléances.
Etienne et Patricia
Dearest Dianne and Adele,
Words are not sufficient to express my sorrow at the loss of your most dear and precious husband and father. Didier was such a kind and gentle soul. I so enjoyed his quiet sense of humour and his love of music. I am grateful for the many times he shared his piano playing at our many family gatherings, and especially at my parent’s funerals. I know the many wonderful moments you shared will help comfort you through this very difficult time. I wish I could be with you now to hold and hug you. Take good care of each other. xoxo
Hugs and much love,
Joy
Dear Diane
I was saddened to read of Didier’s death. It was such a delight to see both of you while shopping just a few short weeks ago, and – how life has changed since. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to you. Didier was such a warm, gentle man and you will miss him in an infinite number of ways, with the smallest of reminders. May friends and family surround you with love and comfort.
Donna Hay
Dear Diane and Adele, and Didier’s family,
We are so saddened to hear of Didier’s passing. Didier was a lovely, kind, and warm man who will be remembered always with a smile, as he always made others smile. The world seems a less kind place without him in it. Our hearts go out to you at this very sad time. With much love, Shelagh, Smitty, Alex and Sophi Schmidt
Dear Diane and Adele, the news of our beautiful Didier was a shock, we had no idea he was not well.
Words cannot express how devasted it was to hear this news. Our hearts and thoughts are with you both. Our memories of Didier are playing the guitar 2011 Christmas and spending time with Marilyn as she also fought cancer. Visiting you both and enjoying meals on your beautiful porch and enjoying each other’s company. He was such a kind man with such a loving soul. He will be missed forever.
Sending big hugs and love to you both. Ken &Kelly, Karlee, Trevor, Justin❤❤
Chère Diane et Adèle,
J’étais sous le choc quand j’ai appris la très triste nouvelle. J’ai connu Didier par le biais du Conseil des langues dans le temps et comme tout le monde, j’ai tout de suite aimé Didier. Une personne d’une grande gentillesse, très cultivé avec un bon sens de l’humour. J’ai reçu Didier en Acadie alors qu’on voulait développer un partenariat avec UVIC. Trois ans passés, il était venu à un Congrès à Moncton et j’ai eu la chance de dîner avec lui, ne sachant pas que ce serait la dernière fois que je le verrais!
To Didier’s family,
We were saddened to read of Didier’s passing. Our thoughts are with you to comfort you in your great loss.
We remember Didier as a brilliant teacher. friendly and warm towards his students at UVic. We also remember him as the charming host of our French Immersion tour to Besancon,one of the best experiences of our lives. We will always remember Didier with affection.
We offer our condolences to you as we join with all his former students who will remember him fondly.
Sincerely,
Lee and Carol MacKenzie
How I remember – one day, Didier substituting at our school and during recess, such glorious music flowed from the piano in the music room. What is that – who’s playing??!!! Such astonishment all the staff felt. I am so, so sad, Diane.
Remember when you were going to wear a bird cage for the wedding – telling Didier it was the custom?! He was such an even, steady, gentle man that we feel very lucky to have known. We have good memories of Didier.
My heart aches for you, Diane and Adele.
Love,
Heather and Harry