Georges Vanier

Major-General The Right Honourable Georges-Philéas Vanier (April 23, 1888 - March 5, 1967) was a Canadian diplomat who was Governor General of Canada from 1959 to 1967.

Death in office

In 1966, General Vanier's strength was failing. Although the daily round of visits and tours did not diminish, he was increasingly feeble and tired. Then on Sunday, March 5, 1967, the morning after watching a hockey game, General Vanier died. He was only the second Governor General to die in office since Confederation. His state funeral took place on March 8, 1967 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa, and his now famous son, the philanthropist Jean Vanier, read the lesson. The General's remains were interred on May 4, 1967 at the commemorative chapel at La Citadelle in Quebec City, the secondary residence of the Governor General and the home station of the French-speaking regiment that he had helped found in 1914, that he had commanded in the 1920s and whose destiny he had guided as its "Colonel of the Regiment" from 1952 to 1964.

Related Topics:
1966 - March 8 - Jean Vanier - May 4 - La Citadelle - Quebec City - French-speaking regiment

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Until a new Governor General could be appointed, the role was filled on an acting basis by Robert Taschereau, Chief Justice of Canada.

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Recognition of their love for humanity and deep spirituality recently led to Georges and Pauline Vanier's nomination for beatification in the Roman Catholic Church -- a tribute to this vice-regal couple who exemplified noble qualities and cared so deeply for Canada and the Canadian people.

Related Topics:
Beatification - Roman Catholic Church

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Prime Minister Pearson appointed Madame Vanier a member of the Privy Council, and she was sworn in on April 11, 1967. She was the first non-political woman to receive this honour, which was given to her because her husband died before the end of his term, which is when a Governor General is normally appointed a Privy Councillor. Madame Vanier was also among the first Companions of the Order of Canada, appointed on July 6, 1967.

Related Topics:
Pearson - Privy Council - April 11 - Order of Canada - July 6

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Pauline Vanier died in 1991 at "L'Arche", a community for handicapped adults founded by Jean Vanier, in Trosly, France. She was 92 years old. She was buried next to General Vanier at La Citadelle.

Related Topics:
1991 - L'Arche - France

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Adapted from http://www.gg.ca

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