It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jean-Roland AuCoin age 93, on Friday, January 6, 2023 at le Centre de santé communautaire Sacré-Coeur in Chéticamp, N.S. Born in Grand Etang in 1929, he was the son of the late Jacques (Jim à Padée) and Luce (née LeLièvre) AuCoin.
In addition to his parents, Jean-Roland was predeceased by brothers Denis (Marie-Cécile), Marcellin (Rita), Patrick (Marie-Jeannette), Joseph-Lévi (Marie-Cecile), Louis-Philip (Eveline) and sisters Résine (Albert) Toy, Marie-Josephine (Willie-Arthur) Bourgeois and Marie-Alice.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Thérèse (née Deveau), his sisters-in-law Elizabeth LeBlanc, Evelyn LeBlanc and his brother-in-law Rev. Fr. Daniel Deveau and his surrogate son Zoël LeBlanc. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his grand-nephews Mathieu & Patrick Craig, Zacharie, Kristien & Stefan LeBlanc, Jean-Pierre Landry and grand-nieces Michelle & Nadia Landry who considered him as their Pépère. Jean-Roland is also survived by his lifelong friend and cousin Leonard AuCoin. Jean-Roland’s caring presence made a difference in the lives of his numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews with whom he held a wonderful fatherly relationship. He will be fondly remembered as a caring, engaging and generous uncle.
Jean-Roland is a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College, Saint-Francis-Xavier University, held a Masters of Education from the University of Alberta and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree (honoris causa) from l’Université Sainte Anne in recognition of his immeasurable contribution to maintaining and promoting French language in Nova Scotia.
He had a very successful professional career in the education field, alternately occupying positions in school as teacher, principal and superintendent. His career path culminated in his appointment as Assistant Director Curriculum Development, Nova Scotia Department of Education.
Although Jean-Roland was successful in his career, he would himself say, his life’s truest and happiest achievement was his marriage. He cherished his wife and she is left with many wonderful and loving memories.
Jean-Roland was a very social person, his outgoing personality and benevolence won him many friends in professional and social settings. It didn’t matter where you came from, who you were, if you were a good person you were welcomed with open arms. He was a very devoted and loyal friend and maintained those friendships long after he had retired.
There was nothing he loved more than a good visit especially if it involved a challenging game of cards. In recent months, he eagerly awaited Tuesday nights when he would partner with Napoleon Chiasson in a dual of outbidding his opponents; Marie-Hélène and his wife Thérèse.
After retirement and with more free time on his hands, Jean-Roland was able to devote more time to favorite pastimes particularly if it involved woodworking, refurbishing antique furniture or backyard gardening. He was especially proud of keeping their home in pristine condition.
Jean-Roland loved picking wild strawberries, engaging in religious and philosophical discussions, and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge; he often spent his spare time researching topics of interest and was an avid reader of books and newspapers. He was an enthusiastic traveller, he enjoyed learning about new destinations and visiting them.
He was a very active and contributing member of the community. His involvement included inter alia, the StFX president’s club and Alumni Association, RANE (Regroupement des aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse), and the Knights of Columbus where he was named Grand Knight. A devout Catholic, Jean-Roland held an unwavering faith in God, throughout his entire life.
There are no words to express, the deep loss his immediate and extended family feels. He was, in the end, rich in love beyond measure. Jean-Roland left a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be dearly missed.
Jean-Roland spent his last days in comfort and received exemplary care by the wonderful staff of the Centre de santé communautaire Sacré-Coeur. His immediate family is extremely grateful to the staff and the director of the funeral home for their support during these difficult days.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, July 1st at 10:30am with Father Bill Burke officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in Jean-Roland’s name to the Sacred Heart Hospital Charitable Foundation.
Condolences
Nos sinceres condoleances a Thérèse, frère et soeurs. A la famille et amis de Jean Roland. Il demeurera toujours dans nos pensees.
Mes condoléances Thérèse. Je porte de bons souvenirs de Jean-Roland et de vous deux. lester
Rest In Peace Jean Roland…. My deepest sympathy & prayers for all his family.
❤️🙏 Janet (Martorilli) Butera
Dear Therese and Family: so sorry to read of your dear husbands passing.
I did have an opportunity to meet Jean Roland. Your loss is shared by many.
Remembering Therese when we both served on the provincial board of
NSHA . Thinking of you and your family.
Teresa D. AuCoin
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille et amis de Jean-Roland AuCoin. Mon père, Patrice LeVert se joint à moi pour offrir lui aussi ses sympathies.
Chére Thérèse, Claudie et moi t’offrons nos plus sincères condoléances en ces temps difficiles. Je garde toujours de bons souvenirs de Jean Roland lorsque je siégeait sur un comité avec lui lors de L’Année des Ainés. Que les bons souvenirs t’apportent consolation.
To Therese and AuCoin family:
Sincere condolences on the death of Jean Rolond. I worked at the Court House in Port Hood during the same years he worked there. We had the oppotunity to share many stories of the past especially of the Acadian Region of the County.. God Bless. R.I.P. ..Marcellin Chiasson
On pense a toi Therese..sinceres sympathies,
Andre et Helena
Therese and Friends and Family of Jean Roland,
I share your sorrow in the passing of our dear Roland. I cherish the collaboration we enjoyed in education and healthcare and of course, our friendship.
He will be missed by all.
‘God’s choicest blessings on his life well-lived.
God’s peace on you in this difficult time.