Marc Garneau died after ‘short but very difficult battle’ with cancer, former staffer says
Marc Garneau, the trailblazing Canadian astronaut and former cabinet minister, passed away this week after a courageous battle with two rare types of cancer. His former chief of staff, Marc Roy, revealed that Garneau had been diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia earlier this year, and despite a short but difficult fight, he sadly succumbed to the illness at the age of 76.
Roy shared that Garneau chose to keep his diagnosis private, only confiding in a small circle of close friends and family. He wanted to focus on spending quality time with his loved ones without the distraction of public attention. This decision reflected Garneau’s character as a humble and private individual, even in the face of such a challenging health crisis.
Throughout his illustrious career, Garneau made significant contributions not only as the first Canadian to travel to space but also as a dedicated public servant. He held various federal cabinet positions, including roles in transport and foreign affairs, where he worked tirelessly to improve safety and shape important policies for the benefit of all Canadians.
Garneau’s impact on Canadian politics and space exploration was profound, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. His former colleagues in the House of Commons paid tribute to him with a moment of silence and heartfelt speeches honoring his remarkable achievements. Government House leader Steve MacKinnon praised Garneau for inspiring Canadians to dream big and reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively.
Members of Parliament from all political parties expressed their admiration for Garneau’s leadership and vision. Conservative MP Gérard Deltell hailed Garneau as an inspiration to all Canadians, while Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin credited him with paving the way for future Canadian astronauts like Chris Hadfield and Julie Payette. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, fighting back tears, bid farewell to Garneau as a kind and respectful human being whose presence will be deeply missed.
As we mourn the loss of Marc Garneau, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and achievements. His legacy as a pioneer in space exploration and a dedicated public servant will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come. May his spirit soar among the stars, forever watching over our planet with grace and dignity.
