On November 8, 2023, the Cascades family learned with deep sadness and regret the death of one of its cofounders, Mr. Bernard Lemaire, at the age of 87. A visionary, generous and charismatic man, he convinced countless individuals and communities to participate in an immense project, the project of his life: Cascades. Thanks to him, we are all part of a multinational company that is a role model and whose vision, success and values are admired. His legacy is rich and will live on.
In memory of our founder
For Bernard Lemaire, Cascades has been both the greatest adventure of his life and a tremendous source of pride. He is the soul and inspiration of the Company.
Testimonial in memory of Bernard Lemaire
On November 29, several hundred people took part in the celebration of life organized in honour of Bernard Lemaire, cofounder of Cascades, at the Centrexpo Cogeco in Drummondville, his hometown. In addition to important members of his immediate surroundings, former colleagues and friends expressed their gratitude in videos.
Watch these funny and heartfelt tributes, always full of admiration.
Charisma and generosity
Entrepreneurship and vision
Passion and determination
Laugh and friendship
Goodbye Bernard
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Photos of Bernard Lemaire
Major Honors
- 1985 - Businessman of the Year by the newspaper Finances
- 1986 - Honorary Doctorate in Administration of the Université de Sherbrooke
- 1988 - Officer of the Order of Canada
- 1991 - Iris d’honneur by the Association des professionnels en ressources humaines du Québec
- 1994 - Honorary Doctorate of the HEC Montréal
- 1995 - Officer of the Ordre national du Québec
- 2002 - Chevalier de l'Ordre national from the Légion d'honneur
- 2002 - Jubilee Medal presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec
- 2004 - Honorary Doctorate of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- 2015 - Honorary Doctorate in management sciences of the Université du Québec à Montréal
Book │ April 2019
Bernard Lemaire
Ma vie en Cascades
By Christian Bellavance
After the Quiet Revolution, Quebec is seeing the birth of another type of revolution that will eventually put economic power in the hands of Francophones. At the heart of this movement, Bernard Lemaire and Cascades show what Quebec entrepreneurs are made of.
Honors
- 1985 - Businessman of the Year by the newspaper Finances
- 1986 - Honorary Doctorate in Administration of the Université de Sherbrooke
- 1988 - Officer of the Order of Canada
- 1991 - Iris d’honneur by the Association des professionnels en ressources humaines du Québec
- 1994 - Honorary Doctorate of the HEC Montréal
- 1995 - Officer of the Ordre national du Québec
- 2002 - Chevalier de l'Ordre national from the Légion d'honneur
- 2002 - Jubilee Medal presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec
- 2004 - Honorary Doctorate of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- 2015 - Honorary Doctorate in management sciences of the Université du Québec à Montréal
Revue de presse : quelques moments marquants
- Le Devoir - Bernard Lemaire : parcours d'un bâtisseur
- Le Droit - Bernard Lemaire : avant que les souvenirs s’effacent
- TVA Nouvelles - Bernard Lemaire: du papier à l'élevage de bovins Highland
- Les Affaires - Mémoire des leaders : appelez-moi Bernard
- La Presse - Cascades : « Mes parents ont mis tout ce qu’ils possédaient en garantie »
"I've had a good life. I've worked hard, but I've built something lasting. I've made a difference in my family and my community. I am also very proud to have proven that French-speaking Quebecers can succeed in business and compete successfully around the world. What more could you ask for?"
– Bernard Lemaire, in his biography Ma vie en Cascades
A Great Man's Life
Watch the video in which Bernard Lemaire, Cofounder of Cascades, talks about the key events of his and the Company's career over the years.
French only
Press Review*:
- La Presse, 19 juillet 2019 – Cascades : « Mes parents ont mis tout ce qu’ils possédaient en garantie »
- Le Devoir, 3 avril 2019 – Bernard Lemaire : parcours d'un bâtisseur
- Le Droit, 2 avril 2019 – Bernard Lemaire : avant que les souvenirs s’effacent
- TVA Nouvelles, 25 avril 2016 – Bernard Lemaire: du papier à l'élevage de bovins Highland
- Les Affaires, 19 février 2010 – Mémoire des leaders : appelez-moi Bernard
Some highlights of his life
- La Presse, July 19, 2019 – Cascades : « Mes parents ont mis tout ce qu’ils possédaient en garantie »
- Le Devoir, April 3, 2019 – Bernard Lemaire : parcours d'un bâtisseur
- Le Droit, April 2, 2019 – Bernard Lemaire : avant que les souvenirs s’effacent
- TVA Nouvelles, April 25, 2016 – Bernard Lemaire: du papier à l'élevage de bovins Highland
- Les Affaires, February 19, 2010 – Mémoire des leaders : appelez-moi Bernard
A few tributes
- TVA Nouvelles, November 9, 2023 – Le cofondateur de Cascades Bernard Lemaire est décédé
- Radio-Canada, November 9, 2023 – Décès du cofondateur de Cascades, Bernard Lemaire : Christian Dubé émotif
- QUB Radio, November 9, 2023 – Décès de Bernard Lemaire : un entrepreneur qui a marqué son temps, témoigne Mario Plourde
- Radio-Canada - Par ici l'info, November 9, 2023 – Le biographe de Bernard Lemaire touché par son décès
- Radio-Canada - Par ici l'info, November 9, 2023 – Bernard Lemaire, cofondateur de Cascades, est décédé : entrevue avec Alain Rayes
- 98.5 FM - Puisqu'il faut se lever, November 10, 2023 – Décès de Bernard Lemaire: l'avancement des francophones dans l'économie
- QUB Radio - Alexandre Dubé, November 10, 2023 – Décès de Bernard Lemaire : plusieurs témoignages poignants de son entourage