It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, René Lalonde, on August 3, 2014, at the age of 52. He leaves his wife, Lisa Montgomery and four daughters, as well as many other family members.
René joined the department in 1987 as a video technician. He later became a key support person in establishing and maintaining our Media Gallery. He was an amazing colleague with a generous spirit, great competence and always the gentleman. “René helped make Communication Studies a destination of excellence, and his expertise, wisdom, dedication and presence will be missed beyond belief,” Rae Staseson, Former Chair and Video Professor noted. “The arrival of René to fix a classroom problem was always a huge relief to all the professors. You knew you were in good hands. His quiet patience always reassured you that the problem would soon be fixed,” remembers Dr. Sandra Gabriele, Interim Chair.
René served on the CUUSS-TS Union executive, including the positions of Treasurer and President, for a great number of years. A long-time friend and member of the executive, Rick Bisaillon, wrote this about him: “We were privileged to learn from him patience, resolve, humour and tenacity. Through so many struggles and challenges Rene brought his strength and wisdom to those around him”.
Without question we will miss René’s warm smile, calm determination and the care and support he gave to us. All members of the Department of Communication Studies extend their deepest sympathy to René’s family and friends.