Patrick Menard

Brother Patrick Menard died at the age of 93 at the infirmary of the Brothers Provincial House in LaPrairie, Quebec, Canada on February 13, 2006. Brother Patrick, son of Emidor Menard and Laurentine Martin was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on February 6, 1913. He entered the juniorate of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at LaPrairie, PQ on March 19, 1927 and the novitiate of the Brothers at LaPrairie, Quebec, Canada on August 14, 1928. He made his perpetual profession on July 6, 1934 and spent 78 years in religious life. He is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.Brother Patrick had a long, varied and distinguished career. As a religious superior, he was one of the founders of the American Province of the Brothers of Christian Instruction and a driving force of the province's development. In the late 40's he was appointed Director of the Scholastics and was instrumental in reorienting the academic and professional preparation of the student brothers in order to Americanize the training of these future teachers. He became the first dean of Lamennais College and secured its affiliation to the Catholic University of America in 1950. Not satisfied with the long-term prospects of the Lemennais College he was instrumental in moving the college, under the name of Walsh College, to Canton, Ohio. As founder of Walsh College, which is now Walsh University, he can be rightfully proud of its development into an outstanding liberal arts university in the Canton/Akron area.His own academic achievement was not neglected; after a Baccalaureate and a Licentiate in Pedagogy from Montreal University and a Master's Degree from St. Michael's College, he obtained a Doctorate in Education from the University of Montreal.If his academic achievements were remarkable, his career as a religious superior was no less spectacular. He held the post of Provincial in two countries (United States-12 years and England-6 years.) It was rather remarkable that the brothers of the English Province elected him, an American, to the post. Added to the above are 6 years as Assistant General, the first American brother to hold this international posting.On a more personal note, his aptitude for music was remarkable. He took great pride in the success of his glee club and orchestra at Prevost High School. Throughout his entire active life he served as organist, choirmaster and organizer of musical groups. In his latter years he put his linguistic ability in the service of the American Province as Provincial Secretary and chronicler of the province activities.His retirement in the year 2000 at Notre Dame in Alfred saw a gradual decrease in his activities. In the year 2005, Brother Patrick's health declined rapidly due to a number of ailments and prudence dictated that professional care was needed. He was then transferred to the Brothers infirmary in LaPrairie, Quebec, Canada, where constant care is provided. A rapid decline of his situation occurred during recent weeks and news was circulated throughout the province that the end was near. At about 5:00 AM on Monday, February 13, 2006, Brother Patrick left this world to meet his God which he served faithfully and unselfishly during a long and fruitful life.Brother Patrick's body will be received at the Notre Dame Chapel on Shaker Road in Alfred on Friday at 4:00 PM. A prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM in the chapel with the Rev. Theodore Letendre the principal celebrant. Burial will follow in the Brothers Cemetery in Alfred. Arrangements are through the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford.To send a note of condolence please go to the "condolence" tab on the left.