With deep sorrow and love, the family of Jean-Marie Olivier, seventy-nine, of Middle LaHave, Nova Scotia, announce his passing on Friday, June 27, 2025, at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Jean-Marie was born in Hull, Québec, and was a son of the late Alphonse and Fleur-Ange (Stafford) Olivier.

He dedicated thirty-five years of distinguished service to the Royal Canadian Navy, beginning his formal education at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. In addition, Jean-Marie attended the Collège Militaire Royal in St-Jean, Québec; the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia; and the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. Jean-Marie spent more than fifteen years at sea before taking land-based assignments that allowed him to be closer to his family. Over the course of his remarkable career, he served in numerous countries around the world, often under the direction of diplomacy. He concluded his naval service as a Naval Commander, proudly serving as Naval Defense Attaché for Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and as the Military Attaché for Ukraine, roles that highlighted his deep commitment to international cooperation and security.

Jean-Marie was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of fifty-five years, Betty Lou; his daughter, Christina (Nelson) of Connecticut; cherished grandchildren, Schuyler and Abigail Cummings; sisters, Huguette (husband Ira, predeceased)  Johnson of Arizona and Louise Olivier of Québec; brothers, André (Nicole, deceased), Jacques (Cécile), Louis-Paul (Michèle), and Claude (Lise Morin), all of Québec; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Jean-Marie’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, also at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Personal Care Cremations. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes donations in Jean-Marie’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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In keeping with Jean-Marie’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, also at a later date.