2024 CelebriTree Donor 7 Sugar Maple 1

CelebriTree Program (2024)

No tree is more Canadian than Sugar Maple, and it is a very familiar sight in forests around Ottawa. It is valued highly for its sweet-tasting sap, its finely-grained but tough wood, and especially for its fall display of orange, red and yellow colours. This species is native to cool climates, needing cold weather during its dormant period. Sugar Maple reaches about 20 metres in height, although it can be taller in the forest. The tree is located next to the lowland path that tracks beside the woodland area of the Arboretum, about 120 metres SE of the intersection with multiple paths leading to Dow’s Lake and other places.

In Memory of Claude Léo Séguin

(January 24, 1958 – July 17, 2023)
A Life Rooted in Kindness, Community, and Family

“The roots of those we love run deep, and even in their absence, we stand because of them.”
— Unknown

This sugar maple tree has been planted in the Dominion Arboretum in honour of Claude Léo Séguin—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—whose spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, to Léo Séguin Jr. and Jacqueline Séguin (Cadieux), Claude grew up in a loving home alongside his siblings, Gilles, Hélène, Suzanne, and Guy. From an early age, he was shaped by the strong values of family, resilience, and community that his parents and his grandparents instilled in him. The bonds formed in those early years would remain a strong guiding force throughout his life.

Deeply rooted in family and community, he was known for his generous heart, unwavering work ethic, and love for connecting with others. His door was always open to any friend, family member, or neighbour in need. Proud of his French Canadian heritage, Claude embodied the strength, warmth, and determination symbolized by the sugar maple.

Claude was a kind and hardworking man who placed immense value on both family and community. He spent over 40 years working as a civil engineer in Toronto, Ottawa, Regina, and abroad, always guided by a strong sense of responsibility and care for the communities he served. Whether coaching youth sports, volunteering, or simply sharing stories and laughter with loved ones, Claude gave generously of his time and spirit.

He had a deep love for hockey — both playing and coaching — and was a devoted fan of the Montréal Canadiens. He took great joy in watching games, often surrounded by family, and passed on his love for the sport to his children and grandchildren.

Claude also had a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors. Fishing was one of his greatest joys, and he treasured time spent at the family cottage on the French River. It was a place of peace, laughter, and connection, where countless summer memories were made with those he loved most.

Family was truly at the heart of Claude’s life. He shared a deeply loving and supportive partnership with his wife, Karen, whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and joy to his later years. She had a way of grounding him—bringing out a softer, more peaceful side of him that many came to cherish. Claude was the proud father of five children—Michelle, Jennifer, Kimberly, Christopher, and David—each of whom carried forward his strength, determination, and values in their own ways. He also welcomed Merah, Karen’s daughter, into his heart and life with warmth and affection, and loved her like his own.

Claude’s greatest delight came from his grandchildren: Olivia, Wyatt, Kailyn, Isabella, Mackenzie, Millie, Ashton, and Sam. Their energy and love brought him endless happiness. He absolutely loved sharing all kinds of activities with them! Whether it was playing at the park, swimming, making his famous crêpes for breakfast, going apple picking, playing board games, fishing at the cottage, or running around at the splash pad—the kids always had a blast when Grandpa was around. Though he never got to meet his granddaughter Anastasia, he learned of her coming arrival with joy and pride—carrying that happiness with him in his final days.

His home was made warmer by his deep affection for animals. He adored his dogs, Bella and Dolly, and his cat, Smudge. Their companionship brought him comfort, joy, and plenty of smiles.

Planted in his memory, this sugar maple stands not only as a symbol of strength and heritage, but also as a living tribute to a man who believed in giving back—to his community and to future generations. May it grow tall and strong, as he did, rooted in love and lasting impact.

“Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. So enjoy every moment of your life.”
— A quote Claude loved and lived by

Donated by Karen Séguin, Michelle Larocque, Jennifer Paquette, Kimberly Séguin, Christopher Séguin, David Séguin, and Merah Gasmo