Ronald Charbonneau

It was with deep regret that the college announced the passing of Ron Charbonneau on Friday, March 1, 2002. Ron was an original staff member at Vanier College and spent almost 32 years as a dedicated teacher of History, and member of the department of Social and Cultural Sciences. He is greatly missed by his colleagues,
friends and students and is remembered for his passionate interest in History, which he so wonderfully transmitted to those around him.

History faculty member Jim Najarian wrote an article about Ron for the VCTA Newsletter. Find his letter below.


For 32 years, from the opening of Vanier in 1970, “Ron Charbonneau” and “history” were practically synonymous. Ron established the history discipline at Vanier and guided it through the heady, early years, through the dark days of the 1980s when cutbacks and administrators (now departed) of limited vision threatened the very existence of history courses, through the great expansion resulting from the revised
Social Science program of 1991, and finally through the recent program revision. History – the study and the teaching of it – was one of Ron’s greatest, though not only, passions, – his love of, and devotion to, his craft was legendary to his close colleagues and friends.

I first met Ron in a most appropriate setting, the first book fair organized by the newly established CEGEP prior to our grand opening. Perusing books with several already under his arm stood a big man with a full beard; he looked very academic. We introduced ourselves, discussed our common discipline, and parted. During the first semester Ron approached me to teach some history courses in the following term(I was originally full-time in Humanities). Thus began a productive 32 year collaboration between two historians with different backgrounds and different personalities but with a shared belief in our discipline and a passion for it. We also shared a critical disdain for bureaucracy and the bureaucratic mentality, a mentality Ron understood well and against which he would turn his biting yet understated sense of humor. Ron often faced the inanities of this world with the posture of Hasek’s “Good Soldier Schweik”, one of his literary heros.

As a teacher of, and guide to, history Ron stimulated and challenged several generations of students, including a number of our own children. His vibrant opening “Good Morning, fellow historians” invited students to journey with him into the past, a journey rich with cultural commentary and laden with linkages to the contemporary world; Ron was no mere antiquarian. Widely read and knowledgeable about many areas of history – Russia, China, Europe, the medieval world – he could take a small detail of history, say an incident in the 16th century religious wars, and elevate it to a focal point for perceiving the larger issues. Few students left his classes bored or unimpressed. Many left Vanier considering their courses with Ron among their most memorable and stimulating.

More than a colleague, Ron Charbonneau was to many at Vanier a good friend. A number shared good food, drink, and conversation with him in get-togethers at Magnon’s or some other brasserie, for these elements of the good life were also passions of Ron along with gardening, a fabulous collection of hot pepper sauces, and others too numerous to list. For me personally Ron was a close friend who helped me through difficult periods in my life, a generous man with time and support who gave much and asked little. “When in doubt talk to Ron” was for many years a guiding principle in my life. And yet he faced his own difficulties stoically and privately, sharing these largely with only his family. He was fortunate to have in his wife and partner, Rosemary, a pillar of strength and support.

Ron Charbonneau was an “original.” I miss him as a colleague and especially as a friend. I feel proud to have worked with him for so many years, and this year feel a bit lost. But I know that when I retire in a few years I will to my mind be departing the Ronald G. Charbonneau Department of History at Vanier College. Ron’s spirit lives on!

– Jim Najarian


Former student John Mundie wrote to us in March 2007 to recount his fond memories of learning from Ron. Find his letter below.


I first encountered Professor Charbonneau when I took his Russian history course at Concordia University back in the 1980s. I remember wondering who this curious man from Vanier College was. It quickly became evident that he knew and loved Russian history, and I really enjoyed his lectures (which were animated by his conversational style).

We had to write a substantial book review, which accounted for a major part of our grade. I decided to be clever … too clever. I chose the shortest book on Prof. Charbonneau’s reading list, Andrzej Walicki’s The Controversy Over Capitalism, which turned out to be 78 pages of dense analysis of the narodnicki. (I’m sure Prof. Charbonneau is smiling, knowing I can recall this book 20 years later!)

I approached a beleaguered Prof. Charbonneau, who was trying to explain to several students that they couldn’t write a review on the course textbook, when I mentioned the Walicki book. I remember him raising an eyebrow and taking an immediate interest in my review. He knew I was in the deep end with this book and gave me lots of great advice. I still remember how I felt when I got my paper back and saw his A+ grade (which I also got in the course.)

I was hooked, and quickly registered for his Soviet history course. There were about 100 students in that class, and I will never forget when I raised my hand during the first lecture. Prof. Charbonneau stopped talking and quickly asked … “Mr. Mundie, do you have question?” Not only did he remember me, he remembered my name!

Prof. Charbonneau was a special kind of professor and person. He really cared about students who cared about history. From that moment on he provided excellent guidance and advice, and I was one of a few students that would stand around chatting with him after class, sometimes for nearly as long as the course. He loved to talk history.

Later on he provided me with advice and recommendations for graduate school. I enjoyed visiting him at Vanier College because I would make sure he was lecturing that day and I’d sit in on his class. His Vanier material was identical to my Concordia courses. What lucky Cegep students!

Prof. Charbonneau loved good company, good conversation, and, as I later learned, a cold Dow beer. I would lose track of time when talking history with him.

Much later, when I moved to Ottawa, I discovered the big box full of all my old university lecture notes. After a brief survey, I decided to throw it all out, except for the notes from three classes. Professor Charbonneau’s Russian and Soviet history notes were my “number one” keepers. Rereading them was like a time machine.

I was stunned and greatly saddened when I learned of Prof. Charbonneau’s death. He was a regular guy, but for me, he had a larger than life vitality. I learned to love both history and my university education in his classes, and for that, he will always be alive and vibrant and talking and talking some more in my memory. He made a difference in my life, and this made me think he would be around forever. I will remember him.

John Mundie
Ottawa, Ontario
March, 2007


Former student and friend Carol Jarvis Stewart wrote to us in January 2007 to express her surprise and sadness on finding out about Ron’s passing. read the message below.


I knew Ron. I’ve been living in the States for the past 18 years now… I was thinking to myself today hmmm, I wonder if there’s anything about Charbonneau on the internet? I wonder if he’s been up to anything. I check on old friends and people in the past just to know how they’re doing. And then I saw the obit… and was astounded. He wasn’t much older than me.

I remember his cat and how much he liked hanging at the TP between classes…we both left BHS the same time–he went to teach at Vanier, and I went as a student. I can’t believe he’s gone.

Carol Jarvis Stewart
Oswego, NY


Former student Ernie Jodoin wrote us in August 2006 to share his reminiscences of Ron. Read his message below.


I have very fond memories about Vanier College (1974-76), and as I write this with a few tears, it was truly Ron who inspired us all and me personally to think critically, to treat all opinions with respect, but most of all, as an educator, Ron had the gift to motivate us all to the highest level. Ron’s tenaciousness and curiosity might have single handedly inspired me for graduate studies, and no doubt, many of us for a lifetime. What a story teller!

I remember Ron, breaking open the windows to “get some air in here”, and then treat us to a discourse of Russian or Chinese history. I remember sharing some rare history books with him over a beer at the TP (or do they call it that anymore?). When I do meet up with Vanier alumni, it’s a sure bet that Ron’s classes will invariably come up (and perhaps the Vanier pop festival of 1972-73).

Way to go Ron!

Ernie Jodoin
Hamilton, Ontario


Former student Neal Ford wrote to us in May 2006 to express his sadness on discovering the loss of a teacher who made an impact on his life. Read his message below.


I was shocked and saddened to learn of Ron Charbonneau’s untimely passing when I saw the obituary in March 2002. I took part in the Slavic Studies Major that Vanier offered between 1987-89, which included the Russian language (with Serge Hervouet-Zeiber) Slavic Literature (with Fran Ponomarenko & Tom Lozar) and of course, Ron’s inimitable Russian History course. Very few programs, let alone institutions of higher learning, are blessed with such stimulating and excellent teachers.

I remember Ron as someone who was totally immersed in the subject he was teaching, whether it was Russia, Modern China, or Western Civ. The time would just fly by as he’d regale us with all kinds of seemingly obscure tales that humanized the historical figures and events of which he was teaching, and how he’d never fail to tie them in with events of today, leaving students with a much clearer understanding of why things are the way they are. ( I’ll never forget the story about Tsar Peter III who used to hang mice as part of his military fantasy games! Or how he would talk about Ivan Grozny striking his son with a staff…”Business end first.”)

Those of us from that era who are still in contact remember Ron’s classes fondly. Testifying to his legacy was the wide range of people who were present at the visitation that was held for him at Collins Clarke. In addition to a great many faculty and administration, there was a large number of students, past and present. I remember the hands covered in chalk dust, the robust belly laughs after he would share a particularly humourous but nonetheless relevant piece of historical “dirt” with us. And when he’d hand back our tests, he’d always refer to them as “Scandal Sheets”, or when there was excessive noise in the hall, he’d close the door and come back in chuckling about “keeping the barbarians out.”

To this day, I still spend a lot of time immersed in history and often imagine how Ron would have presented it. Nevertheless I believe that most of us who studied under him did acquire a lifelong interest in the subject, and more importantly a sense of how to analyze current events in light of what went on before. I only regret that my children who will shortly be of Vanier age, will not have the chance to take one of Ron’s classes.

Best regards,
Neal Ford


Former student Ron Csillag of Toronto wrote to us in October 2005 to share his fond memories of Ron Charbonneau.


I just learned of the death of Ron Charbonneau — without doubt, the best teacher I ever had. Believe me, to get me interested in history was no easy task; I had found it boring and irrelevant in high school. One Russian history course with Ron was enough… I ended up taking a course with him in each of my four semesters at Vanier College (74-’76) and loved every one one, but the Russia and China classes stand out.
What a passionate man! I can clearly recall how satisfied he could be when he made a good point: He would draw his ever-present coffee cup to his mouth, with his elbow extended as far as possible from his body, smile and utter this little “AH!” sound. It was exquisite! He would encourage students thusly: If someone made what he thought was a good point, he’d say, “Go on,” and the student would, usually with positive results. He never put anyone down.

Ron managed to get me so excited about history that I ended up majoring in the subject at Concordia, but never again did I have as effective and fun a teacher as he was.

Ron Csillag, Toronto
October 14, 2005


Fellow History teacher Abigail Sibley recalled for us that Ron was an avid gardener whose specialty was lilies.

Posted in 2000-2009

In the event that a member of the Vanier community learns about the passing of either a current or a former employee, please contact Isabelle Moncion, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, directly at extension 7543 or via email so that we can communicate the information/funeral details to you as quickly as possible.Thank you for your collaboration.

Jack-Andrew Brami:

So sad to hear of his passing. I recon I must have had him as my Western Civ teacher circa 2000's. He was an extraordinary orator and made the book look smaller than it appeared, especially for students that weren't particularly "gifted" like myself, although my grade in this class was pretty high by my standards even though the lovely Athena was stealing my attention for some of the time. Till this day I surprise myself and impress others citing quotes from the professor and it's only today that I realize how brilliant he was and how privileged I was to have had him as a teacher. One of a kind, indeed!

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