RAYMOND ROYER

1938 - 2025

1938 - 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Royer on April 24, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loved ones at home. Raymond Royer was born in Sherbrooke on September 30, 1938. He was the third child of a large family, and the son of the late Georgette Beaulieu and the late Henri Royer. He is survived by his beloved wife, France Denis; his three cherished children, Jacques (Catherine Korah), Geneviève, and Thomas (Albiana Bugujevci); as well as his granddaughter, Audrey. He was the brother of the late Gilles-André, the late Richard (Pierrette Thibault), Denis (the late Louise Dubé), the late Paul (Nicole Rivard), the late Pierre, Diane (Jean Guérin), Lyse (the late Roger Carrier), and Nicole. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews: Alain, Lyne, Charles, Anne-Marie, Violaine, Hugo, Maude, Anne-Sophie, Laurence, and François. He was also the brother-in-law of Louise Denis (Alain Abastado), Marie Denis (Paul Gaudreau), and André Denis. He leaves in mourning his nieces and nephews: Caroline, Philippe, Vincent, and Béatrice. He was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather, with tremendous sensitivity, kindness, and unconditional love. Raymond always maintained dignity, resilience, and remarkable courage despite being severely afflicted by Parkinson's disease. Raymond earned a Masters in commerce (1963), a law degree (1966) and a Masters in Accounting (1966) from the University of Sherbrooke. He was an emeritus member of the Quebec Bar and a fellow of the Quebec Order of Chartered Accountants (1992). With a progressive management philosophy, he promoted his vision of a company being a collection of three groups: clients, shareholders, and employees. He made a true difference in the business world both in Quebec and Canada, as well as internationally. His career was closely tied to Bombardier and Domtar. Under his leadership, Bombardier became a model of excellence in Canada's transportation industry. Raymond notably played a key role in securing one of the largest export contracts in Canadian manufacturing history, supplying subway cars made at the La Pocatière plant for the city of New York. Later, as CEO of Domtar starting in 1997, he placed customers at the centre of all business decisions to enhance company performance. In 2007, he led the merger of Domtar's operations with those of American company Weyerhaeuser, forming the largest fine paper company in North America and the second largest in the world. Fastmarkets RISI awarded him the prestigious title of North American CEO of the Year in the pulp and paper industry in 2003 and 2007. Raymond served on the boards of many organizations, including Domtar, Power Financial Corporation, Great West Life, Putnam, Gesca Ltd., London Life Insurance Co., Canada Life Insurance Co., Lifeco, La Presse, National Bank of Canada, Shell Canada, and Ballard Power Systems. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada (1990), a Commander of the Order of Leopold II by the Belgian government (1991), and an Officer of the National Order of Quebec (2005). He received honorary doctorates from the University of Sherbrooke, École Polytechnique de Montréal, and Laval University. Raymond will be remembered for his great humility, his ability to listen, and his generosity. He was an exceptional mentor who inspired and guided many young people and leaders in Quebec with wisdom shared in absolute discretion. He maintained a strong commitment to philanthropy, notably as Honorary President of the annual golf tournament benefiting the Sherbrooke University Hospital Foundation, President of the University of Sherbrooke Foundation, Co-Chair of the MUHC (McGill University Health Centre) Community Campaign for the construction of the new hospital, member of the Board of the MUHC Research Institute, member of the Centraide Major Donors Circle, and major donor to Portage. He was a passionate tennis player who won the Canadian doubles tennis championship twice with his longtime partner and friend, Robert Bédard. Golf was another one of his favorite sports, and he loved playing at Memphremagog Golf Club, Mount Bruno Country Club, and The Royal Montreal Golf Club. The family would like to thank all the staff members on the 18th floor of the Montreal General Hospital for their immense dedication, Steve Ouellet for his commitment and tireless work, as well as caregivers, Mary Jane Bayaua, Nita Sagadraca and Shiela Caibog for their compassionate care. The religious ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Saint-Léon Parish in Westmount, 4311 Blvd. De Maisonneuve West. The family will receive condolences inside the church starting at 1:00 p.m. In memory of Raymond, donations can be made to the Brain Canada Foundation in support of early-career researchers working to advance brain research (braincanada.ca).