CORNWALL, Ontario – Even in his final moments, a long-time city clerk was asking about his beloved Montreal Canadiens.
Richard Allaire, who spent decades in municipal life in Cornwall, culminating with his appointment as the city’s CAO, passed away Wednesday at age 70 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
His son Dan said his father’s commitment to the city, and countless hours as a volunteer, have left a mark on the Seaway City – and his family.
“Everything I know, I learned from my father,” he said. “I always admired the way he could separate work, family and friends.”
And Allaire always made time for the Montreal Canadiens.
“I was able to watch their last two wins with him,” Dan said. “Even in his final moments he was asking about them. We had to tell him they had lost 4-0 to Pittsburgh and he just shook his head, like: ‘Ahh.’
“I guarantee you when he crossed over they were all thanking him for his support.”
Given his time as a municipal official and community volunteer one has to think Habs alumae weren’t the only ones waiting to shake Allaire’s hand in the hereafter.
Allaire’s municipal resume became long and distinguished after he assumed the role of public figure in Cornwall during a lengthy career at city hall. He was hired by the city in 1967 and was named clerk of the municipality in 1975.
He remained in that role for decades before being named the city’s CAO in the late 1990s.
Flags are flying at half-mast throughout Cornwall.
Allaire had been retired from municipal work for a number of years, but took up the mantle of community volunteer, most recently acting as the chair of Koala Place – an agency created to help young people grappling with abuse.
He was also a past-president of the local Red Cross, a member of the Children’s Treatment Centre board and a volunteer at Relay for Life, among others.
“He loved this place,” Dan said of his father’s community.
Denise Labelle-Gelinas, another past city clerk who spent years as Allaire’s deputy, said her former boss was always a gentleman.
“I’m heart-broken. He was such a great mentor to me,” she said. “It was a very special working relationship.”
Labelle-Gelinas said Allaire brought a different dynamic to the office.
“He was a constant joker,” she said. “He always brought humour with him. Not only was he trying to help you, bought he was all about respect those you report to.
“He always said you have to respect the people who came before you. He was very conscientious.”
Allaire is also survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon, younger son Alain and four grandchildren, Max, Janie, Samuel and Khloe.
Friends will be received at the M. John Sullivan Funeral Home, 341 Pitt Street (across from city hall) Cornwall, on Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. and on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass, Monday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m.
