This piece commemorates seven notable individuals who have passed away, including writer Margot Lemire, singer Eric Carmen, and filmmaker Claude Fournier. It also highlights the ongoing support for student-athletes through scholarships from Golf Quebec and the Aléo Foundation. Additionally, it details fundraising efforts by France Bélanger for health causes and a special poutine initiative benefiting Canine Support. Lastly, it reminisces about a memorable reunion of former Quebec Oldtimers hockey champions.
Honoring Seven Iconic Figures We Have Lost
• Don’t miss: This singer and former goalkeeper is now entering his thirties
March 10, 2024
Margot (Marguerite) Lemire, aged 77, was a cherished writer, poet, and playwright from Quebec.
March 11, 2024
Eric Carmen, 74, the celebrated American singer and songwriter known for his iconic hit All by Myself released in 1975, also brought us the song Hungry Eyes.
March 12, 2015
Irenée Thibault, 89, the visionary founder of I. Thibault Inc. from Saint-Damien-de-Buckland, has left a lasting legacy.
March 13, 2015
Normand Beauchamp, 72, known as the former co-owner of Radiomutuel, made significant contributions to Quebec’s media landscape.
March 14, 2023
Louisette Dussault, 82, a talented actress, director, and stage manager, will always be remembered for her remarkable role in La souris verte.
March 15, 2015
Mike Porcaro (photo), 59, the American musician and former bassist of the illustrious band Toto, is greatly missed.
March 16, 2023
Claude Fournier (photo), 91, a renowned filmmaker and producer known for his works such as Deux femmes en or, Bonheur d’occasion, and Les tisserands du pouvoir, left an indelible mark on Quebec cinema.
Supporting Student-Athletes
This year, the collaboration between Golf Quebec and the Aléo Foundation, which began in 2014, continued to flourish. A total of 27 talented student-athletes were awarded $72,000 in scholarships and support services. Notable recipients include William Bellavance and Louis-Olivier St-Pierre from Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capucine Gekas from Quebec, Thomas Grenier and Charly Pinel from Chaudière-Appalaches, as well as Louanne Aubin from Côte-Nord. In the accompanying photo, from left to right, are Jean-Pierre Beaulieu, Golf Quebec’s general director, along with Charly Pinel, William Bellavance, Capucine Gekas, Thomas Grenier, and Jonathan Collin, coordinator of scholarship programs at the Aléo Foundation.
A Meaningful Cause!
Since February 13, Chez Gaston, in collaboration with Étal Boucherie Pirate, has introduced the limited-edition Coup de patte poutine to generate funds for Canine Support. For each Coup de patte poutine sold, $1 will be donated to this vital organization that specializes in training assistance dogs, which are essential for many individuals with specific needs. The photo features the co-owners of Chez Gaston from Vanier and Saint-Roch: Antoine, Jo-Annie, and Stéphane.
The Woman Behind $500,000
For over a decade, France Bélanger has been passionately engaged in fundraising for health-related causes close to her heart. Following her younger brother Harold’s passing in 2015, she initiated her first SpinDon for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has since participated in multiple CIBC tours for the Charles-Bruneau Foundation and two Jimmy Pelletier hikes. With unwavering support from her family, partner, and friends, France Bélanger has successfully raised over half a million dollars. In recognition of her efforts, she recently received (photo) the Medal of the Coronation of King Charles III from Pierre Paul-Hus, MP for Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint-Charles.
Memorable Reunions
Former Nordiques player Michel Parizeau reminded me that March 9 marked the 25th anniversary of the Quebec Oldtimers’ victory at the CARHA (Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association) world tournament, held on March 9, 2000, in Vancouver. A reunion of these champions is set to take place later in May, allowing some snowbirds to return to the city. In the 2000 photo, the front row features, from left to right: Alain Lemelin, Ti-Lou Brousseau, Rosaire Sylvain, Richard Demers, and Jean Massé. The second row includes Marian Stastny, Michel Parizeau, Jean-Guy Lacasse, Raynald Parent, Pierre Roy (the coach), Guy Tassé, Michel Joubert, Laurent Dumais, and Réjean Lacroix. Such cherished memories will always be celebrated.