Jean B.J. Vautour, 85, of Ottawa, Ont., died Friday, Sep. 14, 2018. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 1964 for helping save two workmen from drowning in a hydroelectric channel. He submerged 4 feet and freed the first man’s feet from the grating of a generator station and then re-submerged 16 feet below the surface and forced his body between the second man and the grating to overcome the immense water pressure. Vautour worked as a civil engineer and was a scout and venture leader for many years. He was a longstanding member of the Rotary International and was involved in fundraising for families in need. He was named Citizen of the Year for 1987. Vautour is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Marie; three children; a grandson; and multiple siblings.
Other articles in this issue:
- Friends remembered: Marion J. Wheeler
- Friends remembered: Vernon R. Hughes
- Exceptional Graduates: Graduating scholarship recipient first to wear Hero Fund honor cord
- 2018 in review: 71 awards made, more than $845,000 given in grants
- Board notes: Carnegie Hero Fund stays true to founder’s values
- Andrew Carnegie’s immigration story appears in Journeys essay compilation
- Historian David Nasaw speaks of Carnegie’s dreams of peace at Hague event
- Carnegie Medal Presentation to Carnegie Heroes Jennifer Lynn Dixon and Aaron Andrew Young
- Carnegie Medal Presentation to Carnegie Hero Cregg Jerri
- Carnegie Medal presentation to Carnegie Hero John E. Meffert