MARC CHOUINARD, CM
1953 - 2015

It is with great sadness that the Chouinard family announces the loss of their son and brother, Joseph Marc Michel Chouinard, CM, on Tuesday February 24th, 2015 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre. Born in Dalhousie, NB, he spent his childhood years in Balmoral and Campbellton. He has lived in Moncton, his adopted home town for many, many years.

Son of Thérèse (Lavallée) and the late Alphonse Chouinard of Campbellton, he was the younger brother of Docile Chouinard and Ida (late Charles Thomas), both of Campbellton, big brother to Patrick (Mary) of Fredericton, Jean-Guy (Linda) and Louis (Réjeanne Daigle) both of Saint John, Paul (Jennie Piercey) and Suzanne (Alan Miller) both of Campbellton, Luc (Susan Ash) of Gander and Carole of Moncton; he was the uncle of many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Marc will be greatly missed by all.

Marc also leaves to mourn the members of the Capitol Theatre family where he worked as the General Manager for 15 years. Greatly saddened by his loss are countless Acadian artists, as well as from all over Canada and those he worked with in the cultural sector. He fought militantly for environmental causes and for social justice. He was also extremely active in both the New Brunswick Liberal Party and the Liberal Party of Canada.

Marc was awarded the Order of Canada in 2010 for the role he played in developing the cultural environment of his province and for being a passionate advocate of Acadian culture and bilingualism when he made the East Coast Music Awards held in Moncton in 1999 a bilingual musical event. He was given the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 and was also named that year, Music Industry Professional of the Year by Music NB. Marc received the Builders Award from the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) in 2008.

Marc, in collaboration with others from the cultural community, initiated la FrancoFête en Acadie. He was very involved with representing the Province of New Brunswick from 1993 Sommet de la Francophonie and was the associate Operations Director of the Sommet de la Francophonie when that event was held in Moncton in 1999. Marc also organized artistic events at every editions of the Congrès Mondial Acadien since 1994. In 2010, Marc cultivated a new interest when he incorporated the Circus Stella circus company.

Marc was a man of passion who worked tirelessly for the many causes he believed in. He had a great effect on the lives of many and his will be missed by those who had the pleasure of working alongside him in these many pursuits.

In Marc’s memory, donations can be made to the Fondation les Ailes du papillon (www.lesailesdupapillon.com) or to the Tree of Hope Campaign as both charities were close to his heart.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton on Sunday March 8th, 2015 starting at 2 pm.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (858-1900).
www.frenettefuneralhome.com