It is with immense sadness that the Center for Media Studies (CEM) learned of the death of Bernard Descôteaux, a great figure in Quebec journalism. We would like to thank him too.
His death has given rise to widespread and well-deserved praise. His great contribution to journalism, and especially to Duty, his second home. Many also spoke of his immense respect for others, the quality of his listening and, above all, his keen reading of Quebec society. Without a doubt, Bernard Descôteaux knew his world well.
What is striking is also all these testimonies which recognized what distinguished him so well: his quiet strength. The combination of “strength” and “quiet” constitutes a quality that characterized him so well. These words clearly reflect his exceptional contribution to society. This is what has become apparent to us too, who have been around him over the last few years.
After his departure from the management of Duty for retirement, Bernard Descôteaux has not interrupted his activities, far from it. He once again put this quiet strength at the service of the common good, to improve society. From 2017 to 2023, he held the position of chairman of the board of directors of the CEM. He had to leave the presidency last May for health reasons. We were all shaken when he told us the bad news. The CEM is a non-profit organization whose mission is research on journalism and the media. As chairman of the board of directors, a voluntary position, Bernard played an exemplary role. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have benefited for several years from the expertise and advice of this brilliant and very generous man.
We offer our most sincere condolences to Marie Lavigne, the love of her life, and their children.
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