Raymond Julien Joseph Laflamme
1960 - 2025
Loading...
A
Alison Dorries donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Thursday, July 31, 2025
We loved Raymond like our own family. We will miss his smile, his energy, his wisdom, his fun and his hugs. All our love, Alison & Scotty, Eli & Charlotte.
Please wait
J
Jason Sun posted a condolence
Saturday, July 19, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear. I was looking to reconnect with Raymond about a quantum topic and found out he passed just a month ago. The world has lost a great figure. He will be remembered, and I hope all is well with his family.
K
Kristin Schleich posted a condolence
Saturday, July 19, 2025
I am very sorry to hear about Raymond's passing. I first met Raymond when he was a graduate student at Cambridge, then later at (what was then known as ITP) at a gravitational physics program. He was a pleasure to be around - funny, inspiring, always positive and with such energy and enthusiasm about both outdoor activities and physics. In later years, although our research paths diverged, I was always happy to encounter him, whether at a conference or at U. Waterloo as his deep understanding of the physics of his research and his excitement when explaining it was always informative and insightful. My condolences to his family; it is small comfort, I know, but I will miss him too.
Please wait
U
Urbasi Sinha lit a candle
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_blue.jpg
It has been very difficult to accept that my mentor, Raymond Laflamme is now no more...Ray was the founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing, a stellar scientist with seminal contributions in multiple and diverse fields and a true visionary. However, what set him apart from many others is not just his academic and leadership excellence but a strong human connect which is very very rare...
Aninda and I first met Ray in his office at IQC in 2007 when I was looking for post doctoral positions, specifically in Canada. I had a great offer from a leading place in the US but was looking to move to Canada for personal reasons. During that first meeting, I met a man who was not only brilliant but absolutely super excited by the science around him and the prospects...The child like enthusiasm with which he demonstrated the Alice set up in his office (!) and explained that the Bob set up was at Perimeter Institute simply blew me away...Yes, this was the person I wanted to work with. So what if he worked in NMR, quantum optics, quantum error correction, not quite on the superconducting devices I built during my PhD...I was happy to learn, to transition and expand my repertoire, something I strongly enjoy and again is something much influenced by the strong example Ray set in embracing diversity in research avenues.
Ray has been my true mentor, every meeting with him has left an impression and reaffirmed the true pursuit of doing honest science. When I left IQC in 2012, I left with a faculty job in India and an IQC affiliate faculty position...In Ray's words: You will be the representative of IQC and its vision in India and beyond...Those are hard expectations to meet but I am trying hard..He has shared my extreme joys and times of extreme grief, both professional and personal, with sincerity and a sense beyond the obvious...I will truly miss him, the humour, the heartwarming smile and invaluable guidance. But we will aspire to ensure that his legacy lives on, the best we can. May his memory be a blessing.
J
Jeffery Nerenberg donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
To Ray’s family and loved ones.
Let me offer my sincere condolences for your loss.
When I learned, just a couple of days ago, that Ray had died, I was utterly saddened and heartbroken. His death came far too early, and proves that life can be most unfair.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ray several times over the past 20 years in my role at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Of the hundreds of researchers I have had the privilege to meet over my career at NSERC, Ray was among the best: for his professional accomplishments, but more importantly for his warm, friendly, and kind nature. Ray was always such a pleasure to interact with. Despite he and I being on entirely different plains intellectually and professionally, he always made me feel comfortable and respected.
The last time I spoke with Ray was sometime in 2023 (about NSERC’s investments as part of the National Quantum Strategy). He was in great spirits and spoke to me freely of his health challenges and how he had collaborated with his care team to write a scientific paper. Incredible! On that day, I recall him saying that he was doing well. Hence the news of his death this week came as a shock.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Ray was a special person.
Jeffery Nerenberg, Ottawa, Ontario
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
R
Ray's Group donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Thursday, July 3, 2025
This donation is a gesture of gratitude from those privileged to be Ray’s students and postdocs. He nurtured our growth, championed our success, and stood by us—always. Even in his final days, his concern was for our future. In his spirit, we give back. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Please wait
A
Alain Grenier posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Quelle tristesse d’apprendre le décès de Raymond je garde de très bon souvenirs de Raymond
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille
C
Claire Laflamme posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
C'est avec une bien grande tristesse que j'ai appris le départ de Raymond.
À Janice, Jocelyne et Patrick ainsi qu'à la famille Laflamme, j'offre mes plus sincères condoléances. Mes meilleures pensées vous accompagnent.
F
Frank Leahy donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Great guy whose sense of wonder was inspiring
Please wait
M
MNP LLP donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Our deepest sympathy. From all of us at MNP LLP, Waterloo
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
Please wait
C
Carolyn Young posted a condolence
Sunday, June 29, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Ray's family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him. I was fortunate to have Ray as a mentor when I was an undergrad physics student, and spent two amazing summers learning from him at UofW/IQC/Perimeter. I'll never forget the time he invested in my learning, and the incredible encouragement he offered. Most of all I'll remember his deep empathy and openness to the universe. Thank you for everything Ray.
c
chris mullington donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Sunday, June 29, 2025
I worked with Ray as director of The Quantum Tamers and video artist for The Quantum Symphony. He was a kind and unpretentious person and a dedicated educator. I will always remember him with fondness and respect. My sincere condolences.
Please wait
C
Carol Baker posted a condolence
Saturday, June 28, 2025
For Janice and your family, I was so shocked to see Raymond's obituary today, and particularly as I never buy the Globe and Mail. My deepest condolences go out to you all, and my thoughts are with you. I remember Raymond's laugh-it was so joyful! I remember in Cambridge when Lynn and I visited and Raymond was in Australia-fantastic that he could connect with you on the new internet4! Also in Los Alamos -again his laughter and joy were wonderful to experience.
Carol Baker
Please wait
S
Sherry and Gary Hauser pledged to donate to LUNG CANCER CANADA CANCER PULMONAIRE CANADA
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Please wait
S
Steve Huggins posted a condolence
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Raymond and I studied closely together for Part III of the Maths Tripos at Cambridge 1983-84. He was such a pleasant person and clearly more gifted than me. Our paths started to diverge after that, keeping in touch for only a few more years, though I've never forgotten that lovely Québécois. It is with great sadness that I learn of his passing. I shall raise a glass here in the UK to his memory this evening. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
A
AB posted a condolence
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Ray’s thoughts, opinions and guidance were always very important for me. Every time, I knocked on his office door and asked something, he was able to teach me a lot only in just a few words. Through our discussions, he helped me take the right decisions and grow. He was generous and helped me when I needed it the most and always a well-wisher.
I will always remember you for your good humour and kindness. Thank you for everything, Ray.
C
Christiane Lemieux donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Friday, June 27, 2025
John and I wish to offer our most sincere condolences to Janice, Patrick and Jocelyne and also Ray's brother Claude whom we knew from Calgary. Janice and Ray welcomed us so warmly when we moved to Waterloo 20 years ago, helping us establish ourselves here with our two little kids at the time. We have never forgotten that generosity.
Please wait
C
Chris Erven donated to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Friday, June 27, 2025
Our sincerest condolences. Ray was an incredible person who's smile, positivity, and builder attitude were infectious. He was incredibly supportive throughout my time at IQC. I’ve tried to emulate it as best I can in my own life and career. Anne and I feel very blessed to have known him.
Please wait
Please wait
J
Jeremy Chamilliard donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Thursday, June 26, 2025
My Sincere condolences, Janice, Patrick and Jocelyn. I had the privilege of being supervised by Ray in the early IQC days through undergrad and grad school, and I would never have had those opportunities if it wasn't for Ray. He once told me to stop calling him Professor Laflamme and Dr. Laflamme and just call him Raymond or Ray or something. I will never forget how approachable, silly and funny he was for a genius. "Get the party started" are exactly the last words I would expect from him, and I hope we will make him proud this fall.
Please wait
J
Joseph Geraci posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Raymond's work inspired some of my own early on in my PhD, and eventually used it to unlock a key about quantum algorithms that led to the completion of my PhD. He was very kind to me when I was invited to present at the IQC and always remembered that time and him with a sincere fondness. So sorry for your loss and best wishes.
M
Maggie McTaggart donated to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Janice and family,
We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Raymond and have seen many wonderful articles and tributes to him in the past few days. He was a warm, kind and incredibly humble person. We enjoyed hearing about your biking trips and travels together and plans for canoe trips with your children. Martin especially enjoyed learning more about the VW van which was often a fixture on your driveway. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Maggie, Martin, Caroline & Ros
Please wait
C
Carolyn Sullivan posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Janice,
I am very sorry to hear about Raymond’s death and know that you and your children will miss him immensely. It is hard to imagine how you will separate your life from his, knowing that you have had so many life experiences together. I hope that, in time, your fond memories will replace the grief of today.
Carolyn Sullivan
J
Jerome Marty posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Thank you Raymond for all you did, and with much passion and fun, to advance quantum physics in Canada. It was a pleasure spending time with you working a the quantum report with other experts at the Council of Canadian Academies. My sincere condolences to the family and your community.
E
Ed and Halyns Andrulis donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Please wait
K
Kathryn Fedy posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Dear Janice, Patrick, Jocelyne,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I worked with Ray at IQC for many years. Ray's kindness and warmth always shone through, whether he was explaining a quantum concept or sharing stories of his outdoor adventures. He spoke so proudly about his family. It is an honour to have known Ray, he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you and your family.
K
Kathryn Fedy donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Please wait
P
Patrick Laflamme Duval posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Please accept my sincere condolences, Janice, Patrick, Jocelyne, the extended family and of course, my dear cousins. My thoughts are with you all.
Please wait
M
Marina LeBlanc donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Marina LeBlanc
Please wait
A
Amy Cottenie donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
In memory of a wonderful client that I enjoyed working with over the years. Love and prayers to the Laflamme family.
Please wait
A
André-Marie Tremblay donated to Lung Cancer Canada Cancer Pulmonaire Canada
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Please wait
A
André-Marie Tremblay posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
He really was a towering figure in the field. Canada and the world owe him a lot scientifically. He was humble and caring in his scientific interactions. I am not surprised by the testimonies concerning his family. He will be missed.
S
SH posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Although I only met Ray Laflamme once, I'll never forget his patience in explaining, in lay terms, quantum computing to me. I first learned about his lung cancer diagnosis in an interview with him in the Record. He was speaking out about the importance of early screening for a cancer that is the leading cause of death. The courage he displayed by going public in that article only increased my respect for him. My condolences to his family.
Please wait
G
GF posted a condolence
Monday, June 23, 2025
Ray is a role model to all his students. As one, I learned so much from Ray — not only about how to do research, but about how to live with passion and wisdom. He helped me in more ways than I can count, and his influence will stay with me always. I will never forget his thoughtful guidance or the warmth of his infectious laughter. Thank you Ray, you will be deeply missed.
L
Lynn Zinkann donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Monday, June 23, 2025
Dear Janice,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss.
Lynn Zinkann
Please wait
V
Vincent Lavoie posted a condolence
Monday, June 23, 2025
Hélène, Pierre, Claude, André, Je lis ceci avec beaucoup de peine.
Veuillez accepter (vous et vos familles) nos sympathies les plus sincère de ma part, mon épouse Diane et toute ma famille.
Vincent Lavoie
H
Heather Wakeling donated to WATERLOO REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK INNOVATION CENTRE
Monday, June 23, 2025
Please wait
H
Helen Friedman donated to Waterloo Regional Health Network
Monday, June 23, 2025
Sincere condolences from Jake and I. We were so fortunate to have someone of Raymond's stature in our community. He was an educator and a role model who made us very proud to have know him.
All the best.
Please wait
Please wait
D
Debbie Adare posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Sending my deepest sympathy to Raymond's family.
I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Ray many times at Perimeter Institute while I was there (on the Advancement team, not a physicist!) and then while doing some work with Quantum City at UCalgary. He was on one of the best panels of qConnect 2023 and I got so much from his talk, which was less about the science, and more about the importance of quantum for our world. For qConnect 2024, he advised us and made some really good introductions.
I loved the sparkle in his eyes when he would tell a great story, and I had the privilege of hearing some good ones as he engaged with potential and existing donors at PI over the years: the story of the first COO/ED of Perimeter coming to Los Alamos to try to recruit him to PI. The story of a branch in Waterloo Park that was in the way of a piece of equipment (we always said it was the only experiment at PI) that was pointed at his office at UW. The stories about his work with Stephen Hawking....
Raymond was a brilliant scientist. But I will remember him most as a remarkable human being - kind, collaborative, generous with his time and attention, and possessing a gift for connection and communication which he was willing to share.
His memory and his influence will live on in so many others.
S
Srinivas Jonnavittula posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
I am shocked beyond belief. My sincere condolences to Ray' family and the extended family of friends and admirers. I had a chance to interact with Ray long time ago and he was passionate, patient and answered all my theoretical physics questions. Such a huge loss to the world.
Please wait
V
Vito Logiudice posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Dear Janice, Patrick and Jocelyne,
Very deepest sympathies to you and your family for your terrible loss.
Raymond so deeply affected our lives in too many positive ways to mention. He was truly an exceptional person, and on so many levels.
What always impressed us most was his tremendous love for the three of you. His family clearly meant everything to him. We cannot imagine the pain of your loss.
We shall treasure our memories of him forever.
Our thoughts remain with you.
Vito, Grace and Amanda Logiudice
N
NC posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
It is very hard to summarize Ray's influence on me since it still feels like I can walk to his office and ask him some questions.
I enjoyed all our conversations about science, life, or random topics, like many of his students and postdocs do.
Several times, after I proved something or showed him an interesting piece of science on the board, he looked at me with appreciation and affirmation. Unfortunately, I usually looked away, since I'm not very used to receiving compliments. But now I regret not letting him know how much these moments meant to me as a junior scientist.
Similar regrets include but are not limited to, when he invited me for a ping-pong match, I hid away from it; when he provided beer to the group, I didn't take a bit more...These regrets are light. I am already extremely lucky to have the chance to know him and work with him.
Ray told me no matter what he did, he tried his best. I have not met anyone like this before. I guess I can just try my best to see if I can become one.
I thought losing my father at a young age would help me understand that life is short, and protect me from being too sad when I have to face more loss later in life. But this model for life gave me a wrong prediction. Luckily, as scientists, we learn from errors. Ray would say, this is error correction.
The spring of 2025 is as cruel as Eliot described in his famous "The Waste Land''. I'm yet to find out Ray's impact on me, I bet it would take time to settle. I shouldn't speak for others, but I sincerely believe many, many people who know him would feel similar ways. A life so rich is a life to be celebrated. As he said, we should start a party.
M
Mary Lyn Payerl posted a condolence
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Janice, Patrick and Jocelyne,
I send you my heartfelt condolences. Ray hired me many years ago and what a pleasure it was to work with him. He will be remembered for his scientific achievements in the quantum science world but for me, I will always remember his smile, his laugh and his genuine kindness. I admired his ability to speak to any person or group of people with ease. When he told a story or spoke to a group you couldn’t help but be excited about what he had to say because his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be greatly missed - I am so very sorry for your loss.
Please wait
S
Shayan uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/public-file/9007/Ultra/5e03df74-9fb3-4c6a-8c72-30c0e9189aee.png
In the days ahead, tributes to Ray will fill our feeds. Most will celebrate his world-class research and the visionary leadership that put Canadian quantum computing on the map. I hope they also honour the extraordinary person behind those achievements.
To me, Ray’s hallmark was showing up for people, no matter how inconvenient.
After my first PhD term I wrote to him about some personal struggles; he scheduled a meeting the very next day, Christmas Eve, to help me. When a newly arrived postdoc (from a different group) fell seriously ill, Ray quietly began accompanying him to the hospital because he had no one else here. A staff member at PI told me that when her mother passed away, Ray was the only colleague who came to the memorial, even while undergoing chemo himself. And a student from my 468 class once mentioned that an “older man with a French accent” sat down to help him with a problem set; he was floored when I explained it was the founding director of IQC, whose work he’d been studying.
I saw the same generosity right to the end, as Ray worked to ensure his students and postdocs would be cared for after he was gone. Helping organize his 60th-birthday conference let me hear dozens more stories like these. We invited about 70 former students and postdocs; over 50 made the trip. That turnout wasn’t just for a great physicist, it was for an exceptional human being.
The most precious part of my PhD was having Ray as a role model.
I’m stubborn and didn’t always take his advice. One year, the two of us went out for my birthday, and I asked him for lessons to live by. I was expecting something research related. He said, “Remember you’re going to die soon, we all are. Live accordingly.” He kept urging me to work more moderately and enjoy life more. I wasn’t ready to hear it then, but on my last visit the message finally sank in.
Thank you, Ray, for showing us how to be good scientists and better people. You will be deeply missed.
L
The family of Raymond Julien Joseph Laflamme uploaded a photo
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/tribute-images/33413/Ultra/Raymond-Laflamme.jpg
Please wait
© All Rights Reserved |
Admin Login | Website powered by FuneralTech & TA | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use