Azellus Denis,PCQC(March 26, 1907 – September 4, 1991) was aCanadianpolitician who served in theParliament of Canadaas aMember of ParliamentandSenatorfor the longest period of time, 55 years, 10 months and 20 days.
The Hon. Azellus Denis | |
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| SenatorforLa Salle, Quebec | |
| In office February 3, 1964 – September 4, 1991 | |
| Appointed by | Lester B. Pearson |
| Preceded by | Mark Robert Drouin |
| Succeeded by | Marcel Prud'homme |
| Member of theCanadian Parliament forSt. Denis | |
| In office 1935–1964 | |
| Preceded by | Joseph-Arthur Denis |
| Succeeded by | Marcel Prud'homme |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 26, 1907 Saint-Norbert, Quebec,Canada |
| Died | September 4, 1991(aged 84) |
| Resting place | Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Émérencienne Fleury-Bissonnette |
| Relations | Joseph-Arthur Denis,brother |
| Cabinet | Postmaster General (1963-1964) |
Born inSaint-Norbert, Quebec,the son of Arsène Denis and Georgiana Laporte, he was educated in Saint-Norbert,Jolietteand at theUniversité de Montréal.Denis practised law inMontreal.In 1945, he married Émérencienne Fleury-Bissonnette.[1]
He was first elected as aLiberalMember of Parliament in the riding of St. Denis in1935.His brotherArthurhad represented the St. Denis riding in the House of Commons until his death in 1934. Denis was re-elected in1940,1945,1949,1953,1957,1958,1962,and1963.He was thePostmaster Generalfrom 1963 until the Post Office patronage scandal of 1964. In the midst of the scandal, he was appointed to the Senate at the recommendation ofPrime MinisterLester B. Pearsonand served until his death in 1991.
He was a reservist in the 2nd Battalion (Reserve) Châteauguay Regiment.
After his death in 1991, he was entombed at theNotre Dame des Neiges Cemeteryin Montreal.[2]Parc Azellus-Denis inMontrealis named in his honour.