It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jacques Robert, president of the Orchestre de la francophonie from 2012 to 2016.
A passionate devotee of classical music and the arts in general, Jacques believed in the next generation and had boundless enthusiasm for the work of the OF and its director, Jean-Philippe Tremblay.
As president, he spared no effort to better understand the OF’s mission. Even after leaving the organization, Jacques was always willing to help us and to open doors for us. He believed in our becoming an international, year-round orchestra. Thank you, Jacques, for inspiring us to greater things.
His loved ones were lucky to have this big-hearted man in their lives. Wise, approachable, respectful and considerate, Jacques was loved by all. He affected all those he encountered. Shy by nature, he never wanted to be in the spotlight. His earnest modesty made him all the more endearing.
All social phenomena interested him. Having arrived from Europe 40 years ago, he knew Québec better than many of us.
Jacques was possessed of tremendous wisdom. We will miss his advice, his extreme generosity and his humour.
L’Orchestre de la francophonie will not forget you, Jacques. We will always be grateful to you for the work you accomplished and for your remarkable generosity. We offer you our most heartfelt thanks as we offer our deepest condolences to your friends and family.
At the time of writing no formal notice has been published nor have details of any funeral service been announced.