Obituaries

Dr. Jacques Crépeau, M.D., FRCPC, FACC

Sherbrooke, May 19, 2026

1928 – 2026

Dr. Jacques Crépeau passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 97. A man of calm assurance, deep faith, and unwavering dedication to his family and profession, he leaves behind a legacy marked by integrity and service.

Born on August 18, 1928, in Saint‑Georges de Beauce, Quebec, he was the son of Louis de Gonzague Crépeau and Marie‑Laure Brochu.

Jacques shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Ethel Keith, whom he married on December 26, 1959, in Los Angeles. Their story began at Good Samaritan Hospital, where Jacques met Mary while she was a nursing student. Together, they were avid travellers, returning often to Europe, especially to France and Italy. They also loved to entertain, opening their home to cherished friends for warm dinner gatherings, lively conversation, and memorable evenings shared over good food and exceptional wine. Most importantly, they raised a close and loving family. Their years together were enriched by deep friendships and many treasured moments.

Jacques was a steady and reassuring presence within his family, a quiet patriarch whose example will continue to guide them.

After earning his medical degree from Université Laval in 1954, Jacques pursued advanced training in internal medicine and cardiology from 1954 to 1959, including his formative years in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. In 1959, he obtained his specialist certificate in cardiology and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In 1979, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, recognized for his expertise and contributions to the field.

Dr. Crépeau devoted more than four decades to internal medicine and cardiology, practicing in Sherbrooke, where he influenced generations of patients, colleagues, and health care professionals. From 1961 to 1991, he served as Chief of Cardiology at Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke, playing a central role in the development of specialized cardiology services in the region. He was also committed to teaching and was recommended as an Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke for his dedication towards the advancement of medicine.

Throughout his career, he remained actively engaged in both the medical and broader community. From 1960 to 1970, he served as President of the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic. In 1994, he was named an Emeritus Member of the Canadian Medical Association in recognition of his service to medicine and to the community. He was also an active parishioner and volunteer at St. Patrick’s Church in Sherbrooke.

Dr. Crépeau was held in high regard by colleagues, patients, and all who knew him. He will be remembered as a respected and dedicated physician whose professionalism, generosity, and principle guided his work and his relationships.

He leaves to mourn his children: Michael (Denise), Paul, Elizabeth (Ian), and Caroline (François); his grandchildren: Saylor, Alexandre, Philippa, Jeremy, Liam, and Max; and his great‑granddaughter, Sophie. He is also mourned by his sister, Louise (Ken) Knapp; his brother, Robert (Suzanne); the Keith family; several nephews and nieces; and many relatives, friends, colleagues, former patients, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He has gone to join his sisters, Françoise and Flore, and his brothers, Maurice (Suzanne) and André (Yolande).

The family pays tribute to a man whose life was marked by devotion to his family, his patients, medicine, teaching, travel, friendship, culture, wine, and an enduring openness to the world.

As well, the family wishes to express its sincere thanks to the entire staff of 6C at Hôtel-Dieu for the care, compassion, and kindness they provided.

To celebrate his life and honour his memory, the family invites relatives and friends to gather at the Steve L. Elkas Funeral Complex, located at 4230 Bertrand-Fabi Street in Sherbrooke, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A celebration of life will follow in the chapel at the same location.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests making a donation to the Fondation du CHUS .