Surrounded by his family at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, J. Raymond "Ray" Frenette, of Shediac, passed away on Friday July 13, 2018 at the age of 83. Born on April 16, 1935 in Beresford, NB, he was the son of the late Samuel Frenette and the late Berthilde Pitre.
Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Armande (née Hachey); daughter Debra Chouinard (Ghislain) of Dieppe and son Dr. Rémi Frenette (Diane Thériault) of Beresford; five grandchildren: Sylvie (Frank McShane), Caroline (Éric Martin), Maryse (Cody Howell), Alexis and Bastien; six great-grandchildren: Jacob, Alex, Gabrielle, Matheo, Arya and Lily; a brother and two sisters: René (Léona), Lorraine (Roger Pitre) and Annabelle (Pierre Ouimet); as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Raymond was predeceased by brothers: Aurèle, Gérald and Samuel; and sisters: Yvonne, Lilianne, Nathalie, Irène and Rita.
Raymond did his classical studies at the Université du Sacré-Cœur in Bathurst and the Université de Moncton awarded him an honorary doctorate in political science in 1994. He started his career in the financial services sector and then became active in politics. He was first elected as councillor in the former village of Lewisville in 1968 and then became councillor in the city of Moncton in 1973-1974. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick representing the riding of Moncton East from 1974 to 1998 under the Liberal banner. Within the government, he occupied, among others, the posts of Minister of Health and Community Services (1987-1991), Government House leader (1987-1997), Chairman of the New Brunswick Power Corporation (1991-1995) and Deputy Premier, president of the Executive Council, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (1995-1997). He was the 28th Premier of New Brunswick from October 1997 to May 1998.
He was subsequently appointed Director (1998-2001) then President of the Board of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) from 2001 to 2005.
A great sports enthusiast, he played baseball, hockey, curling and golf. He loved music and frequently played piano or guitar in family gatherings or for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Active in his community, he served as chairman of the Greater Moncton United Way Campaign and president of the former Beauséjour Curling Club. He was a great supporter of the Université de Moncton. In his political life, he devoted himself to the well-being of his fellow citizens. More than anything, his wife and his family whom he loved immensely were at the heart of his life.
The family will receive condolences at the Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 396 Main Street, Shediac (532–3297).
Visiting hours Wednesday July 18, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm., and Thursday July 19, 2018 from 10 am until time of departure (10:50). The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 415 Main Street, Shediac, Thursday July 19,2018 at 11 am.
Interment will be in Beresford.
In memory of Raymond, and instead of flowers, donations to the Raymond-Frenette Bursary Fund for students at the Université de Moncton, the CHU Dumont Foundation or to another charity organization of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com
