Pierre Arsenault, formerly of Saint-Edouard-de-Kent, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by his family on Monday March 11, 2024 at the Foyer Saint-Antoine.  Born in Abram Village, Prince Edward Island, Pierre was the son of Joséphine Gallant and Arthur Arsenault

In addition to his wife, Lucille Collette, he is survived by his brothers and sisters: Raymond (Yvonne), Marie-Anne (late Reggie), Priscille (Armand), Léonie (Clarence), Rose, Julie, Rhéal (Mélissa), Gerald (Pataya), and Jacques (Sylvie); his in-laws: Paul (Rose-Mai), Ronald (Monique), late Claude (Lucille), Yvon (Claudette), Laurie (Linda), Jacqueline (Jacques), and Janice (Michel); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters and one brother: Angèle, Sr Marie c.n.d, Eunice and Robert (late Rita).

Pierre held a B.A. from the Université de Montréal, a Licentiate in Theology from the Séminaire Sacré-Cœur-de-Marie in Halifax, and a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology from the Université de Paris. He has served the Diocese of Charlottetown for 20 years as pastoral program administrator.

In 1983, after obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) from the Université de Moncton Faculty of Law and a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) from Harvard University (Boston), he became a professor in the Faculty of Law at the Université de Moncton and Director of the Centre international de la Common Law en français.

He has also been a visiting professor at the University of Yaoundé (Cameroon), the National University of Haiti, and the French Pacific University in New Caledonia. He returned to Haiti several times as a volunteer jurist.

Throughout his life, Pierre has dedicated himself to serving his community, particularly in the struggle to promote human rights and the right to equality for Acadians.  Among others, he was president of the Société Saint-Thomas d'Aquin (P.E.I.), founding president of the board of directors of the weekly newspaper La Voix Acadienne de l'Î.-P.-É., president of the Société Nationale de l'Acadie, founding member of the fédération des francophones Hors-Québec, legal advisor to the Comité de parents pour l'éducation en français à l' Î.-P.-É., and to the Conseil scolaire no 5 de l' Î.-P.-É.

Pierre was also President of the Association des bibliothécaires, professeurs et professeures de l'Université de Moncton and National President of the Canadian Association of Law Teachers. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Government's Court Challenges Program, a member of the Monitoring Committee for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and a member of the Board of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Pierre was a "bon vivant", always in a good mood, and above all a humble man. He was an unfailing support to his family and in-laws. In all circumstances, whether happy or painful, we could count on his presence. He was our sunshine, and we shall miss him.

The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900) from where the funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday March 16 at 3:30 pm. Visiting hours are Saturday from 2 pm until time of funeral. Interment will take place on P.E.I. In memory of Pierre, a contribution to the Fonds de bourse Clément-Cormier de l’Université de Moncton would be appreciated.

Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com