2018-07-18 Pierre Proulx (UL/QM/HQ)

PROULX, Pierre J. It is with great sadness we announce the death of Pierre (Pete) Proulx on July 18, 2018 after a short, stoic battle with cancer. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years Margaret (Manci) née Varga. Predeceased by his parents Aimé and Diane Proulx of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Brother of Anne-Marie (Eugène) and Michel (Carol). Brother-in-law to Julie Nyisztor (Julius) and Elizabeth (the late Dr. Joseph Whalen). Uncle to Eric (deceased) Martin, Pierre (deceased) and Danielle. Pierre will be missed by Carol, Dan, Laurie, Charlie, Phil, Joe, Mary and his many great-nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S.A.

Pierre started his career as an air traffic controller with Transport Canada and progressed through many senior executive positions including Director General, Air Navigation System. Pete and Manci moved to New Zealand where he assumed the post of Chief Executive, Airways Corporation. He returned to Canada to become the first Vice President, Operations at the newly-formed NAVCANADA corporation.

Pierre was principled, compassionate, loyal, well read, a music lover, a bon vivant, a gourmet and he never forgot where he came from. He had many friends and contacts globally in the civil aviation environment. He was a wonderful partner to Manci, spoiling her in many ways, encouraging her to be confident, sharing his love of music, books and travel.

A celebration of Pierre's life will be held Saturday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON. In lieu of flowers in memoriam donations may be made to the Ottawa General Hospital Cancer Centre, the Ottawa Food Bank or the Ottawa Mission Foundation.

from Phil Gies: Beginning in September 1966 I attended VFR course 20 in Ottawa and Pierre was one of our IFR instructors. In Montreal in late 1968 Pierre and Gord Gibson were our IFR instructors and our paths crossed many times over the years. Pierre was the most influential person in Canadian ATC and his leadership extended to other countries as well. I always respected and admired Pierre for his abilities and leadership.