Carl Bélanger

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Carl Bélanger on May 1st, 2025 at the age of 54.  Carl tragically lost his life after falling from his boat in the Upper Rideau Lake near Westport.

Carl is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Elizabeth and his beloved children Jordan and Justin, his parents Céline and Robin, mother-in-law Lucille (Brian), father-in-law Roland (Louise), sister Sonya (Michel), brother-in-law Nicolas (Shannon), brother-in-law Guillaume, sister-in-law Laura-Li (Maxime), nephews Anthony, Mathieu, Raphaël, Alex, Léo, and niece Rose.  He is pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Olivier (2001).

Carl was born in Jonquière on March 23rd, 1971.  As a child, Carl dreamed of joining the Canadian Armed Forces and he enlisted at 17.  He was posted to CFB Calgary (1990) after completing his basic training at CFB Saint-Jean and English Language School at CFB Borden.  Early in his military career, Carl was already demonstrating his outstanding work ethic and commitment and in 1994 he received the prestigious Combat Service Support of the Year Award (Soldier of the Year) as a member of the 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade.  Carl was then posted to CFB Trenton (1996) where he became an accomplished parachute instructor, jumper, and rigger.   After several other postings, Carl retired with almost 30 years of dedicated service, and he continued to be an extremely proud Canadian and veteran.

During his career, Carl was deployed to several tours of duty:  Peace Keeping mission in Bosnia/Former Yugoslavia (1994), CFS Alert Operation IceShelf, (1997), and two tours in Kandahar, Afghanistan (2006 & 2009).   Carl retired in January 2018 as a decorated Master Warrant Officer, recently adding to his medal collection the prestigious King’s Coronation Medal, the Sacrifice Medal, and the Legion's Canada 150th Anniversary medal for his years of contribution to the Legion.  

Carl was a devoted father who was immensely proud of his sons.  He volunteered with the Carleton Place Minor Hockey Association, Carleton Place Soccer Club, and at their elementary school J.L. Couroux.  Carl played a key role in establishing an annual Remembrance Day celebration at the school (2010); a tradition that still lives on today.  Recently, Carl advocated to create a crosswalk that leads to the Carleton Place cenotaph on Franklin Street to honour military veterans.  This project is a testament to his artistic talent and is ongoing.

Carl was fiercely loyal and protective.  He was outgoing and highly sociable; he was impossible to miss in a crowd and was larger than life.  His tremendous presence, infectious laugh, and big bear hugs will be truly missed.  Carl was multi-talented; he could build or repair anything and he was always ready to lend a hand to others.  He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and anyone who had the privilege of meeting him.  He lived his life to the fullest and left a mark that will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.projecttraumasupport.com, a Canadian program close to Carl's heart that addresses Post-Traumatic Stress and Operational Stress Injury in military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

A celebration of Carl’s life is scheduled on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 12pm-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion located at 177 George Street in Carleton Place. A Legion service will take place at 2pm with Father David Andrew officiating, followed by eulogies from family and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl Bélanger, please visit our floral store.