CWO (Retired) Jules "Joe" Claude Luc Drouin MMM, CSTJ, CD

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With sadness we announce that Joe passed away suddenly but peacefully at the Buckingham, Quebec Hospital on the 12th of May 2021 at the age of 79. Born in St-Joseph de Coleraine, Eastern Townships, P.Q. Beloved best friend and husband of Marlene for almost 37 years. Father of Luc Drouin. Predeceased by parents Josaphat Drouin (1978), Irene Toupin (1994), son Andre Drouin (2020), and sister Jocelyne Drouin (2020). Also survived by siblings Jacques, Jean, Jean-Marc, Joane and many nieces and nephews as well as step-daughter Petra and step-granddaughter Virginia.

Joined the RCASC July 1958. 1961 at to Fort Chambly, Germany with NATO Forces. Returned to Canada 1965, served in Ottawa. 1966 first UN tour in Cyprus. April 1969, at the Cdn AB Regt in Edmonton, Alberta. Feb 1974, at the AB HQ & Sigs Sqn. With the Cdn AB Regt second tour in Cyprus during the 1974 Turkish invasion. Served in Montreal during the 1976 Olympics. July 1977 at the Cdn AB Centre. 1979 at Montreal and assigned to the UN on the Golan Heights. 1981, at 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton, AB. While with the Squadron, he was contributor to the development of the Squadron Museum and was instrumental in the recovery of one of the Squadron’s original Lancaster Bombers KB 994. Feb 1985 at CFLA, CFB Borden, ON. Joined St. John Ambulance that year. June 1987 at the OTC, CFSAL in CFB Borden, ON. Aug 1989, at National Defence HQ BADP/BATOPS project. June 1990, returned to CFB Borden, CFSAL, as School CWO. Aug 1992, retired from the Canadian Forces after more than 34 years of service and moved to Gatineau, Quebec. Sept 1992, joined the 28 (Ottawa) Svc Bn as CSM and Nov 1993 he appointed RSM. Retired from the Reserve Forces April 1995. Formed his own promotional company “Joe Drouin Enterprises Ltd.”

Jan 1996, appointed D/Prov Commissioner of St. John Ambulance and in June appointed the Aide de Camp to the Governor General his Excellency Romeo Leblanc and later her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson until Nov 2001. For 23 years as a member of St. John he had accumulated well of 25,000 hours of volunteer service to his community.

With his company, dedicated his work to the Cdn AB Regt, the RCASC, CAVUNP, Logistics Branch, the Navy, Army and Air Cadets, Police, Fire, Paramedics, and many others. Nov 2019, after 27 years, he sold his company and retired for the final time. Tremendous thanks to his wife and former employees who made the company a success and helped to make the name of the company known around the world.

Special thanks to the excellent and supportive staff at the Buckingham Hospital in Gatineau, Quebec. Joe’s wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Gathering will be held for Family, Friends and Colleagues at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON, on Thursday, September 28th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made in Joe’s name to the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre at www.perleyrideau.ca or a charity of your choice.

Digital Guestbook

Michel Plouffe

Joe tu étais et sera toujours un vrai de vrai ta bonté et ton écoute restera légendaire Sincère Condoléances à Marlène et à toute la famille Repose en paix mon ami

John Stuart

I think I first met Joe in 1988 at CFSAL, but I had known of him by his outstanding reputation for professionalism before then. He knew his business and was not shy about speaking his mind. He turned his hobby into a business when he retired from the CF, and when you entered his shop you knew that you were in the right place to get medals mounted. Joe's knowledge of medals was only matched by that of Dr. John Blatherwick, CM, CD. who wrote "Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals. Joe provided veterans groups with out standing service for their special requirements. I never heard an ill word about Joe and I am grateful that he considered me a friend. Joe will be missed by all who knew him. The Stuart family sends its most sincere condolences to Marlene and Luc plus the rest of the family. RIP Joe.

Mike St.George Col.Reuben Tucker Chapter 82nd. Abn. Div. Assoc.

I havn't seen Joe or Marlene for a long time now and I missed doing so. I used to go home to Ottawa from the U.S. every year and had not done so for 5 or 6 years for health reasons. I always got in touch with Joe and Marlene and went to their business to visit. Very sad.
stgeorge82abn@comcast.net

Shirley and Mike Samson

Sorry for your loss Marlene. Our thoughts and prayers to you. Worked with him for 24 years. He will be missed . Rest In Peace Joe .

WO Mike Boudrias, CD (Retired)

On behalf of my Wife Brenda and I, we extend our sincere condolences to Marlene on the passing of her husband CWO (Retired) Joe Drouin. Joe was not only a great soldier but also an amazing Canadian, who gave so much to Canada. Our thoughts are with the family while we never forget our fallen comrade. Rest in Peace my friend. Airborne

Catherine and Vern Bechaz, OAM

Joe, you were what a true Mate is all about. Both you and dear Marlene made Catherine and I feel like we were coming home each time we visited you. Your warmth and generosity knew no bounds. This Aussie Sailor will sorely miss our regular skypes. May you now rest in peace mate and very dear friend. Vern, down under.

WO(Ret) André Bilodeau

Francoise and I would like to express our deepest sympathy. I served with Joe with the Canadian Airborne Regiment AB HQ&SIGS in 1974-77. We had a good time when Joe invited us to his "shack" for a few days. Rest in Peace mon Ami.

Jock McLaren

Always remembered. Jock McLaren, CD RCAF (Retired)
Colonel John Gardam Chapter, CAVUNP Ottawa

Dominic Tremblay, CD

Joe , tu es un grand homme , ont va tous ce souvenir de toi pas seulement pour ce que tu étais, mais pour tout ce que tu laisses comme héritage de ton passage avec nous. Un homme qui a un cœur gros comme le ciel, humain et qui s’implique dans de belles causes ou projets. Tu as été pour moi un professeur , un mentor et un ami, tu m’as donné la chance de construire avec toi et Marlene de beaux projets avec entre autres Altitude pour la fabrication de médaille et autres. Tu m’as appris beaucoup , merci . Toute l’expérience apprise à tes côtés , cela fait partie de mes succès. Je me souviens. D’une de tes fidèles queues plates comme tu disais. Mes sympathies Marlene, Nathalie, Shirley et à tous ceux qui ont travaillé de près ou de loin avec cette personne unique et incroyable.