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Maurice Chiasson

December 9, 1954 ~ May 23, 2020

Maurice Chiasson

It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle, friend and, RN, Maurice Chiasson on May 23, 2020, in Whitehorse, Yukon, after a 15-month battle with cancer.                                          

Maurice was born in Antigonish, N.S. on December 9, 1954, the son of the late Leo P. and Florence (Aucoin) Chiasson.  He received his early schooling in the Antigonish area and graduated from St. Martha’s School of Nursing in 1980, having had previous work experience as a nursing orderly at St. Martha’s Hospital and the Nova Scotia Hospital in Dartmouth.

In 1980, Maurice began a distinguished nursing career in Vancouver, working at St. Paul’s Hospital, Shaughnessey Hospital, and Vancouver General Hospital. He subsequently completed a Certificate in Outpost Nursing. For many years, Maurice worked in various outposts, both large and small in the Yukon. His nursing and administrative skills led him to several years delivering critical care and advanced life support for the Medevac Air Ambulance service as well as acting as manager for their emergency response network. He was selected to be team leader and organizer for the SARS testing services at Vancouver airport and spent the summers of 2007 and 2008, working at the hospitals in Cheticamp and Antigonish.  Most recently, Maurice worked at Copper Ridge Place retirement home, and Emergency Services at Whitehorse General before his cancer diagnosis forced him to retire.

Maurice was a skilled diagnostician, a fountain of medical knowledge and common sense, and in his dealings with patients in indigenous and outpost communities.  In addition, he played a key role as a mentor for many young nurses who were making their way in the profession.  His passions in his free time involved; cooking and baking, travelling to warm corners of the world, and spending time at the family cottage in Cheticamp.                

As well as being wonderful health care provider, Maurice was a well-loved colleague and friend. Everyone who ever met him remembers him fondly.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to be his friends have lost a truly special person that many of us loved dearly.

He had a way of making the room brighter with the smile that came from his eyes, a cheerful bit of news, and a sense of his overall joy in living.  Maurice lived a good life with no regrets and leaves behind a legacy of care, compassion, friendship, and love.

He is survived by his siblings: Leona (George Williams), Antigonish, NS; Clifford (Anne McGlynn), Moncton, NB; Denise (Don Beadle), Robert’s Creek, BC;  Andre, Singapore; his nephew:  Mark Williams, Kittimat, BC;  his nieces : Denise Williams, Hamilton, Ont.;  Marcia (Chiasson) Dumbreck , Guelph, Ont.; Jennifer Chiasson, Banff, Alberta; and Julie Beadle, Sydney, Australia; as well as many cousins, near and far.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life, whether in Yukon or Nova Scotia, will occur when travel restrictions due to Covid-19 are lifted.

 

Comments (16)
  • 29 May 2020

    A fine man and friend. Is already and will continue to be missed. RIP Maurice…Dennis & Yvonne

  • 1 June 2020

    I was a volunteer at Copper Ridge Place and am very fortunate to have met Maurice there, he was a very special person who made you feel good to have him around. You have lost a special brother, uncle, cousin and a good friend. I feel very fortunate to have met him. R.I.P. Maurice you are and will be missed by a lot of people . My thoughts and prayers to all the family.

    • 6 June 2020

      Dear Mary Anne,
      Thank-you so much for sharing your thoughts about Maurice as well as your prayers.
      Sincere regards,
      The Chiasson Family

  • 3 June 2020

    I believe I met Maurice once or twice. It’s been about 8 years, but I think Maurice was working at Whitehorse Hospital (Emergency – Front Desk) when I went in for reasons. He responded to my fear and tears with gentleness, re-assurance, and humor. I greatly appreciated that, and I wish I had the opportunity to thank him.

    • 6 June 2020

      Good day,
      Your experience that you have shared is really appreciated and moving. Maurice certainly touched our lives as a family member, however, he rarely share with us very much about all the wonderful things he has done over the years for everyone during his nursing career. Thank-you.
      The Chiasson Family

  • 6 June 2020

    So sad to hear this! We had many wonderful times and memories! An incredible person and even more the best R.N

    • 9 June 2020

      Dear Meridee Webb,
      We really appreciate your sharing with us, for us he is with us in spirit forever.
      The Chiasson Family

    • 9 June 2020

      Dear Meridee Webb,
      We really appreciate you sharing with us, his spirit is with us forever.
      The Chiasson Family

  • 6 June 2020

    Dear Denis and Yvonne,
    On behalf of the Chiasson family, thank-you for the kind words and thoughts. You knew Maurice for over 25 years and he told me on many occasions about the friendship and kindness you both extended to him as well as the fantastic feasts you all enjoyed together. We all miss him.
    Andre Chiasson

  • 21 June 2020

    John and I were so sorry to hear just recently of Maurice’s passing. He was a cheerful and compassionate presence at CRP, always a favourite with our son Ian, and with us. Blessings on him and all the family.

    • 25 June 2020

      Dear Sheila and John,
      Thank-you for sharing your memories and thoughts for Maurice and family.
      The Chiasson Family

  • 22 June 2020

    It was always reassuring bringing vulnerable people into ER and seeing Maurice on shift, knowing that they’d be well cared for. He did such great things as a nurse for the community, made people feel comfortable and confident in an often intense environment. Great job!!

  • 25 June 2020

    Dear Dwayne,
    We, appreciate and thank-you for sharing your memories of Maurice,
    The Chiasson Family

  • 27 June 2020

    I didn’t know Maurice really well, just from our many visits to the ER when my husband was sick. He was always so kind and compassionate and humerous and made our visits tolerable. Even when I saw him on the street of Skagway Alaska one weekend, he knew who I was and we chatted like old friends. I would like to express my sadness and condolences in the loss of Maurice. I know I will miss seeing him around.

  • 13 August 2020

    I met Maurice when I was working at Community Nursing. He was always good tempered…He laughed a lot..never had an unkind word to say about anyone.. I’ll miss you Maurice.. My heart felt condolences to Maurice’s family He was such a fine man.

  • 20 February 2021

    We will miss Maurice’s laugh & sense of humour. He spent a lot of time being our relief nurse at Destruction Bay. I can imagine the laughter when he joins Dillys for tea in Heaven along with Punkie & Thistle. (Her 2 cats that Maurice nervously cared for). Thank you for the laughs x

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