Former liberal minister and teacher Yvon Picotte died Wednesday surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 83. Many highlighted the memory of a man devoted to his part of the country.
Born in Louiseville on October 27, 1941, Yvon Picotte was first elected deputy in 1973 in Maskinongé, and was re-elected there in 1976, 1981, 1985 and 1989.
He had been suffering from cancer for several months.
His death was announced in a final message published on his Facebook page.
“It was peaceful today in the Petit Bois. The sun was radiant. The wind was ready to carry me on my final journey. It was surrounded by my loved ones that I left this world peacefully this afternoon. The years spent alongside you in teaching, in politics and in my many volunteer activities have elevated me and marked me forever. »
During his career, he was notably Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Regional Development.
The bachelor in teaching and administration did not stand for election in 1994.
“Hi, Yvon! »
Seven years later, he was named president of the Action Démocratique du Québec, then director of the electoral committee.
He will briefly return to politics in 2020, the time to support the candidacy of Dominique Anglade for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec.
He was known for his numerous commitments outside of politics, notably as director of a detoxification center in Lanoraie and as president of the board of directors of the RCM Group in Yamachiche and of the Buckwheat Galette Festival in Louiseville.
“I did 50 activities per weekend, at his recommendation, and in every municipal hall, in every municipality, there is something that bore the name of Yvon Picotte, which is a creation of Yvon Picotte,” underlined the former deputy for Maskinongé Marc H. Plante.
“In the street, in Louiseville, it wasn’t Mr. Picotte, it was: “Hello, Yvon, how are you?” He deeply marked the history of Quebec and the history of Maskinongé,” added the man who represented the same riding as Yvon Picotte.
On the social network “Mr. Picotte has always been an ardent defender of our regions and our Quebec producers,” he wrote.