Obituary of Louis Cuppens

LWF (Lou) Cuppens CMM, CD, Lt Gen (retired)

An accomplished military leader, and long time advocate for veterans, passed away on December 16, 2022. He is survived by his wife Patricia Joan LaPierre-Cuppens (nee Larisey), his son Sean (Lynda), his daughter Beverly Gretchen, his grandchildren Jayde, Connor, and Declan, his great grandchildren, his siblings John Cuppens and Anna Owens (David), as well as by many nieces and nephews. Lou will be missed by his stepsons Daniel, John, and Edward LaPierre, and their children. Lou deeply appreciated the closeness he shared with the Fitzpatrick Clan. 

Lou was predeceased by his wife Christine (nee Fitzpatrick), his parents Frans and Louisa, and his sister Louisa Maclean (Murray). 

Born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, he immigrated to Canada in 1950. Lou grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick, later choosing to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Throughout his distinguished 38 year career, he held numerous leadership positions including Commanding Officer 403 Squadron, Commander 10 Tactical Air Group, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Airforce, and DCINC NORAD. In retirement, he took up residence in the Kennebecasis Valley. 

Lou was a devout Roman Catholic, and member of the St. Alphonsus worshipping community. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and in 2021 became Grand Knight of Council 11284, Buckridge, Florida. 

Well known for his tireless volunteer activites, he had the privilege of serving as president of the NB Aerospace and Defense Association and president of the NB/PEI Branch of the Last Post Fund, later becoming National President. As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Lou served as Chair of the National Defence Committee at the national level, and represented the Legion in the drafting of the New Veterans Charter; which in turn led to a major overhaul of Veterans Affairs Programmes. A member of the Peacekeeping Veterans Association, he was appointed to the national executive as Special Advisor - Advocacy. In the fall of 2022, he received The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Visitation will be held at Brenan's Funeral Home (506-634-7424), 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, on Monday, May 29, 2023, and Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 4 to 8pm. A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute will be held on Tuesday evening at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 22 Church Street, Hampton, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11am. Interment to follow in St. Alphonsus Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou's memory may be made to the Hampton Foodbank, Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.BrenansFH.com.