September 27, 1943 – April 11, 2020
You only had to meet him once to know Art as a gentle and steadfast man, always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, or tell a silly “dad” joke.
He was a devoted husband to Helen Surette (Ryan), loving and supportive father to Cindy, David (spouse Jen), and Cori-Ann (wife Cal), and adored his grandchildren Katelyn, Hannah, Sadie, Joshua, James, and Joel.
Predeceased by his parents Elie and Mattie Surette, sisters Yvonne, Stella, and Ann, brothers-in-law Joseph Comeau, Frank Spencer, and Campbell MacGillivray, he leaves behind his sister Jean (Spencer), nephews Richard and Lee (Spencer), and nieces Marlene and Sonya (Spencer), and Maureen (MacGillivray). He is also loved and missed by his many in-laws, and nieces and nephews from the Ryan clan.
Art was more than just a family man. He dedicated almost 50 years to a career in customs brokerage, finishing off at Skyway International where he worked with owners Joe Brown and Karen Zmurchak until the moment he fell ill. Above all he lived his Christian calling through volunteerism and community service through Benedict Labre House, Cursillo, Montreal-Lakeshore Rotary Club, and Camp Kinkora, to name a few. After only a brief illness and hospital stay, it was beautifully fitting for Art to go Home on Easter weekend to share in the feast of the resurrection, in the light of God the Father, and Jesus our Brother.
Art’s family is grateful for the gentle care of the ICU staff at Lakeshore General Hospital,
especially the nurses who made extra effort to communicate with us in this exceptional period
when we could not be present by his side.
After carrying him in our hearts for the past two years, a celebration of Art’s life will take place with a funeral mass at 11 am on Saturday, May 21, at St. Veronica parish, Dorval. Visitation at 10 am. Though the mask mandate has been lifted, St. Veronica parish is asking attendees to continue to wear a mask while in the church, out of respect for vulnerable members of our community.
Should you wish honor Art’s legacy, donations in his name can be offered to Benedict Labre House (www.benedictlabre.org) , and Camp Kinkora (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kinkora-activity-camp-camp-dactivites-kinkora/#donate-now-pane). Donations are accepted through Canada Helps, where you can dedicate your offering in memory of Art.
“Look for me in your heart, and there you will find me… Look up to the heavens, and there you will see me, smiling down from God’s glorious skies” – Injete Chesoni
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
2125, rue Notre-Dame, Lachine (Québec) H8S 2G5
Tél. : 514-639-1511 | Téléc. : 514-639-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca
15 Comments
Sending all of our love and biggest hugs during this time. Xoxo
My deepest condolences to you all. I have such nice memories of your dad & husband, Helen. Sending love and hugs to you. xoxo
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a beloved Dad, Husband, Grandpa. May he RIP.
Dear Cori-Ann
My sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. What you wrote about your dad is so heartfelt ..May he rest in peace and God bless you. Andrea Salhany
So sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was a very kind, gentle soul. God Bless
Our sincere sympathy to Helen and family. Art will surely be missed by many. May he RIP.
My sympathy and prayers go out to Helen and all Art’s family. I have only good memories of my years at St. Veronica’s where Art was an active and inspirational community member whose support could always be counted on. Rest in peace Art and may our good memories of you bring comfort to all those you loved!
Dear Helen, Cindy, Cori-Ann, David and all your families. We are thinking of you all and love you all at this sad time. Art was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. He was a wonderful man and we were all that much more blessed to have crossed paths with him in our lifetime. May he rest in peace xoxo
My sincere condolences to you, Cori-Ann, and everyone in your family. May your father rest in peace and may fond memories help you through this difficult time. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to you Helen and your family on the passing of this very special man. I have so many wonderful memories and will remember Art always. With Love’hugs’and prayers, Bev
What a warm and caring gentleman.
My condolences to Helen and family.
Rest in Peace
My deepest condolences. Such a wonderful man. Every time I met him he had a smile on his face. Will make a Camp Kinkora donation
I had the pleasure of working with Art and Helen when they operated their own Customs Brokerage business, he was a great person to work for, always caring, I took a lot from my time there, he taught me a lot about the business which I still do to this day
My sincere condolences to the family
God bless
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