Jean DE GRANDPRE

1921 - 2022

A. JEAN DE GRANDPRÉ, C.C., Q.C. 1921 - 2022 Peacefully and surrounded by his family at home in Montréal, Jean de Grandpré, son of Roland de Grandpré and Aline Magnan, has passed away at the age of 100. He was the beloved husband of the late Hélène Choquet, who was his remarkable companion for over 64 years. For the past nine years, he and Pauline Godin shared their lives with happiness. He was the attentive and generous father of Jean-François (Michelle Décary), Lili (David James), Suzanne (late Claude Baillargeon) Louise (Michael Merrithew); grandfather of Louis (Marie-Josée), Marc (Kimberly), and Françoise de Grandpré (Mathieu); Francis (Frances), Mariane and Geneviève Baillargeon; Jason (Maegan), Patrick (Katie) and David (Hope) Merrithew. He had thirteen great-grandchildren and is survived by his sister-in-law Denise Choquet as well as many nieces and nephews. A warm thank you to Nerissa Pescador, for her devotion and kindness. Also, a 'merci special' to Dr. Normand Lussier. Jean de Grandpré was cherished and loved from early childhood until his final days. A lawyer, who was highly regarded by his colleagues, he had an outstanding career and was a visionary leader. He joined Bell in 1966 as General Counsel, became President and Chief Executive Officer in 1976 and founded BCE Inc. in 1983. Throughout this period, he served on several boards of directors internationally and in Canada. He was Chancellor of McGill University from 1984-1991 and Chairman of the Board of the Neurological Institute from 1971-1977. In 1989, he left BCE as Founding Director and Chairman Emeritus. He devoted himself to several philanthropic endeavours for the underprivileged and for children with autism spectrum disorders, to create Camp de Grandpré within the Papillon Foundation. A man of deep convictions, his legacy is a vibrant model of commitment, generosity, integrity and love. Despite the honours he received during his long career, he was always grateful to those around him, taking care to thank them for their contribution. We, his children, were fortunate to have enjoyed his love and values for so long, a wonderful example for us and for all those who were close to him. The family will receive your condolences at Saint-Germain d'Outremont Church, 28 Vincent D'Indy Ave., on Thursday, August 11th at 10 a.m. A mass follows at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to a reception at 1 p.m. at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 chemin de la Forêt, Outremont. Donations to a charity he loved, the Papillon Foundation's Camp de Grandpré, will be greatly appreciated. https://jedonneenligne.org/sehq/DIMAAJDG/