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Statement on the death of Paul Desmarais Sr.

Published: 9 October 2013

On behalf of the 㽶Ƶ community, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier today expressed sincere condolences to the family of PaulDesmaraisSr., an important pillar of the Quebec and Canadian business communities, who died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, at the age of 86.

Among his manyhonours, bestowed both at home and abroad, Mr.Desmaraiswas awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by McGill in 1992 in recognition of his immense contributions to Quebec and Canadian society.Mr.Desmaraisand his wifeJacqueline have beengenerous supporters of McGill and the Montreal Neurological Instituteover the years.On the day of his memorial service, a date for which has not yet been announced by theDesmaraisfamily, the University’s flag will fly at half-staff.

“M.Desmaraiswas not only a leading businessman who, from humble beginnings, built a great enterprise at Power Corp.,” Prof. Fortier said,Hedisplayed a keen sense of civic duty which made him much more than just a successful executive.He wassomeone who feltanobligation to contribute toourbroader society in many different waysand wewere all the richer for that.”

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