Roger Thibault
1946-2023
Roger passed away at home on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 3:31 p.m., peacefully in the loving arms of his husband. Fifty years of creativity we shared filled with highlights. The most remarkable.
The first LGBTQ+ Civil Union in Canada on July 18, 2002, became honorary citizens of Montreal, on May 15, 2023, awarded to us by Mayor Valerie Plante.
Unfortunately, we were subjected to years of homophobic harassment. Stories in The Gazette
To commemorate Roger, a donation to Parkinson’s research will be greatly appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas.
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Roger est décédé paisiblement, dans les bras de son aimant époux, le vendredi 11 août 2023 à 15 h 31. Ils ont partagé cinquante ans de vie créative remplis de moments forts; des plus remarquables.
La première union civile LGBTQ+ célébrée au Canada, le 18 juillet 2002, le couple devient citoyens honoraires de Montréal le 15 mai 2023, gratifié par la mairesse Valérie Plante.
Malheureusement, nous avons vécu plusieurs années de harcèlement homophobe. Stories in The Gazette
Pour célébrer la vie de Roger, un don en recherche sur la maladie de Parkinson serait grandement apprécié.
Les arrangements ont été confiés à Voluntas.
Marna Lane Pennell
August 18, 2023 at 5:49 pmDearest Theo. You and Roger were always our hero’s in regards to how you lived your lives and how you managed to live through many, many trails along the way. it is wonderful to have had 50 years together but I know that is never enough, especially with Roger only being a young 77. Illness is never expected and never welcome but thank God he had you as a partner in life in all important ways. Our hearts are with you and please accept our sincere condolences.
Djalisah en Hans
August 19, 2023 at 7:30 amLove you always.
Thierry & Richard
August 19, 2023 at 11:21 amDear Theo, Please accept our sincere condolences. Roger has gone but not forgotten. What you guys have done in our community was absolutely tremendous. Rest in peace.
Hélène Montreuil
August 19, 2023 at 11:49 amRoger et Theo ont laissé une marque indélébile dans nos cœurs. Roger ne sera jamais oublié. Nos pensées sont avec toi.
Marie-Noël et Deryk
August 19, 2023 at 12:57 pmCe fut un grand honneur et un plaisir de vous côtoyer, vous nous avez grandement inspirés et fait grandir. Vous êtes de grands pionniers et de valeureux et pacifiques battants. Nous avons un grand respect pour vous deux, Roger et Theo et aussi beaucoup d’affection. Nos plus sincères condoléances.
Paul Marchand
August 19, 2023 at 3:36 pmA great loss. My deepest condolence to all who knew him. a special soul
Kitty Latt
August 19, 2023 at 11:54 pmDear Theo. You and Roger always had a special place in our hearts. Best neighbours one could have.
Roger will be missed. He will always be there for you.
Lilian
August 20, 2023 at 7:39 amLieve Theo, wat in je hart zit raak je nooit meer kwijt. Ik zal Roger (darling) heel erg missen om zijn groot gevoel voor humor en alle lief en leed dat we samen hebben gedeeld. Dankbaar dat ik Roger zolang in mijn leven heb gehad. Gecondoleerd en heel veel sterkte. Liefs Lilian
Sabrina and jeff
August 20, 2023 at 7:51 amSeven years ago I had the pleasure of meeting these two men in Home Depot. How could I have predicted that it would be the start of a client turned into dear friend relationship. Sabrina and I will cherish the time we spent with Roger and Theo sitting, chatting and making them laugh. And will continue to be there for Theo to continue the laughter. Xxx Until we meet again Roger my buddy.
Benoit Gagnon
August 22, 2023 at 6:03 pmThank you so much Jeff for all your attention and care for Roger. You are an angel.
Ken & Joanne Pugh
August 20, 2023 at 11:20 amTheo, we are ever so sad to hear of Roger’s passing,.He was such a gentle and kind man, he will be greatly missed by all who knew both of you and what you did for the gay community. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Take care Theo.
Jean Pierre Tessier
August 20, 2023 at 11:25 amSincères condoléances . Merci pour votre témoignage d’amour et d’engagement dans la communauté LGBT… de constance dans vos luttes et de persévérance dans la vie quotidienne. Courage à Théo pour cette perte importante. Que Roger repose en paix. !!
Nella McKimm
August 20, 2023 at 1:25 pmMy beautiful uncle Roger, you have made positive changes in many lives with your amazing husband Theo by your side. I have always had you in my heart. I will see you at the gates of Heaven someday when I too cross over. Love you’re niece, Nella.
Monda Heshusius
August 20, 2023 at 4:17 pmDearest Theo, we were shocked in Holland when you informed us about Rogers passing away. We share your pain and grief. We know how hard it is living without him, your loving husband. I know you both from the very beginning of your relationship, 50 years ago in Montreal, where I stayed with you as a young journalist. You both lived a happy, remarkable and creative life together. But not only this, you fought many years for he rights of the gay community in Canada. With great succes! Roger and you were appointed honorary citizens of Montreal. We are proud of you! And we hope that many happy memories of Roger can fill the emptiness in your life now. We wensen je veel sterkte en moed toe.
Your friends in Holland, Klaas and Monda, Amsterdam.
Valerie Lamarre
August 20, 2023 at 5:03 pmI did not know Roger and Theo for a long time, about 8 years, but we became close. Roger always had anecdotes from his younger days in St Marc way back when. Funny, sad, but never agressive.
I will miss him more than I ever thought. You left us too soon! My real friends are leaving so soon.
The night passes and he is gone.
Mieke en Michel
August 21, 2023 at 5:19 amLieve Theo, wat zal het zwaar voor je zijn om je allerliefste Roger te moeten missen. Vooral na zo een lange periode van samen zijn, waarin jullie heel veel vreugde en leed hebben gedeeld. Gelukkig heeft Roger de enorme waardering die jullie is toegekend nog kunnen beleven.
Chris & Diane Robinson
August 21, 2023 at 10:49 amOn behalf of Susan King and her family, we send our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Theo, you and Roger became good friends with Susan and she had many a wonderful visit with you both in your beautiful garden.
Your memories of Roger will be with you, -may you cherish these as you recall the glorious and loving life you spent together.
Our sincere condolences.
Patty-May Richardson
August 21, 2023 at 7:10 pmLieve Theo, there are so many wonderful memories of laughter and adventures with you and Roger. Roger and your zest for life was evident in your passion for nature, equality, the arts and creating.
Roger had a wonderful sense of humour and he leaves us with a legacy of laughter, inspiration, respect and an appreciation for the world’s wonders. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May memories comfort you, Theo. R.I.P. sweet Roger.
Benoit Gagnon
August 22, 2023 at 5:59 pmUn peu plus d’un an que je côtoyais Roger comme bénévole chez Les petits frères. Je perds un grand ami qui me manque déjà beaucoup. Je garderai un précieux de nos enrichissantes discussions et de nos parties de dés! Un grand homme nous a quitté. Mes condoléances cher Theo.
Ross Stitt
August 23, 2023 at 5:26 pmWhile I had only known Roger less than one year, it felt that we had been friends for much longer. He would smile and laugh at my jokes and crazy sense of humour. I would visit him every two weeks ; we would talk and sometimes I would read to him from books that I was reading and we would play a lot of Board Games, especially Checkers. He always showed an interest in my life and would ask about my activist battles with financial corporations and Hydro Quebec. One beautiful afternoon when he was at the Veterans’ Hospital in Ste.- Anne-de Belleville, we had a great long walk inside and then around the outside grounds. I will miss you greatly my friend. Condolences to Theo, of course.
Michèle and Françoise Bitauld
August 23, 2023 at 6:48 pmDear Theo, Where have our 25 years gone when we first met. The good times we had in your lovely garden and the couscous we had at our home. We both give you a big hug and know that Roger will be watching with a smile.
Jen Harmison and family
August 24, 2023 at 2:07 pmDear Theo, We were all sad to hear about Roger’s passing as we know how much you loved each other.You were both wonderful neighbour’s all those years ago in Pointe Claire. It was so nice to meet up with you both again fairly recently but were horrified to hear about the abuse you were subjected to after we moved away from Quebec. Glad you had 50 years of happiness together and were role models for others who followed after.
Gilles St-Hilaire
August 24, 2023 at 6:31 pmToutes mes sympathies mon cher Theo! Big Hug and all my LOVE!
Anouk Poulin
August 25, 2023 at 11:54 amCher Theo, je garde d’excellents souvenirs de Roger, comme professeur à l’Université de Montréal et comme ami. Vous étiez un couple fort, admirable! Je te souhaite mes sincères sympathies et beaucoup de douceur et de paix dans ce deuil. Anouk