Mr. Speaker, through the roles that made him so well known to Quebec television audiences, Jean Besré became part of the lives of countless Quebecers, a member of their families.
His celebrated characters Rémi Duval and Joseph-Arthur won over our hearts completely. He was known for his contagious laughter, his likeable personality and his helpful nature, and his performances were unique.
A sovereignist, he never backed down from his convictions and his backing of a cause in which he truly believed. I will always be grateful for his support. With his passing, Quebec has lost a man of great generosity. His social commitment, particularly with the Little Brothers of the Poor, was but one example of his loving kindness, and all Quebec perceived him as a man who was sensitive and truly human.
I would like to express the most sincere condolences of myself and all members of the Bloc Quebecois to the family and friends of Jean Besré. His passing is a great loss to Quebec and to its arts and culture in particular.