Marc Garneau, Pioneering Canadian Astronaut and Politician, Passes Away at 76**

On June 5, 2025, Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to travel to space and a prominent political figure, died at age 76. His journey to the stars began unexpectedly with a newspaper ad. His wife announced his passing following a brief illness.**

Marc Garneau, the trailblazing astronaut who made history as the first Canadian in space, passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 76. His family shared the news in a heartfelt statement from his wife, Pamela Garneau, indicating that he had been undergoing treatment for a brief illness, although further details about the cause of death were not disclosed. The couple resided in Montreal.

Garneau’s journey from military officer to space pioneer is a remarkable story. A third-generation military official, he was serving at the National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa when a chance encounter with a newspaper advertisement in 1983, announcing the search for astronauts, changed his destiny.

This pivotal moment led Garneau to embark on his first flight aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1984. He participated in important scientific experiments focused on atmospheric pollution and water vapor, and he would go on to complete two more missions in 1996 and 2000 aboard Endeavour. After an illustrious space career, Garneau was named the head of the Canadian Space Agency in 2001, further solidifying his impact on space exploration in Canada.

His endeavors eventually extended beyond the stars and into the political arena when he became a member of the Canadian Parliament, serving under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership. Throughout his life, Marc Garneau remained a symbol of courage and innovation, inspiring generations with his remarkable achievements both in space and in public service.