On June 29, 2024, we lost a great man, Mr. Gabriel Bertrand. An essential pillar of Little Brothers, he played a key role alongside our founder, Armand Marquiset, in the creation of Little Brothers in France. Since 1948, his commitment, wisdom and humanity have profoundly marked our organization and inspired generations.
The impact of Mr. Gabriel Bertrand
Lise Beaudoin, a dedicated employee of Little Brothers of Quebec for 40 years, fondly remembers Mr. Bertrand and his influence on our community:
“Mr. Gabriel Bertrand, the first little brother to follow our founder on this great human adventure, has always been an invaluable support to us. He shared our stories, our ups and downs, with respect and a sincere desire to accompany each of us with his great wisdom.”
Thank you for your invaluable commitment
Thank you to Mr. Bertrand for his exceptional commitment. His contributions have been marked by values of solidarity, empathy and dedication to isolated and vulnerable seniors. Among his most notable achievements:
- Early involvement: One of the first to get involved in the initiative to help lonely and needy seniors, initiated by the founder of Little Brothers in France.
- International expansion: Participation in missions to extend help to communities in need, including Quebec.
- Fundraising: Creation of structures to improve financial support, favoring the sustainability of actions undertaken.
- Humanitarian support: Intervention in international crisis situations, bringing aid and comfort to affected populations.
- Ongoing volunteering: Active involvement as a volunteer after retirement, demonstrating persistent dedication to the organization’s mission.
An indelible legacy
Mr. Bertrand will always be warmly remembered. His ability to tell stories and his contagious enthusiasm enriched our lives. In this time of mourning, we offer our deepest condolences to Julie, his faithful companion, as well as to his daughters Florence and Marie-Pierre, and to the entire Little Brothers of France family.
The legacy of Mr. Bertrand and Mr. Marquiset will continue to inform our actions. Their benevolent spirits will guide us toward a future where meaningful connections and shared experiences remain at the heart of our relationships with seniors. We pledge to honor their memory by continuing their vision of a world of solidarity and humanity.
Tribute to Mr Bertrand
We encourage everyone to remember the values he embodied: compassion, listening and commitment to others. May his example inspire us to pursue our mission with passion and dedication. To find out more, read the tribute on the Little Brothers in France website. (french only)