Several Quebec public figures paid tribute to former producer and agent Guy Latraverse, who died Saturday at the age of 84 after a long illness. Starting with Louise Latraverse, who will remember her brother as a hard worker and lover of Quebec and its artists.
He loved artists more than anyone. It was his passion. He wanted to do everything he could [pour eux]that made him the happiest.
She remembers Guy Latraverse as a complex man, a very strong personality who knew how to take his place.
And we must recognize the hardworking man he was. I think that’s the first thing I would say about my brother. He worked all the time, so Quebec had the opportunity to meet its great artists. […] He recognized the talent and wanted to make it known to all of Quebec.
“We are very proud to have a visionary father who took show business to where it is,” said Zoé, one of Guy Latraverse’s daughters.
It is said that he was the father of show business and was in love with Quebec. His whole life was focused on this. He gave himself body and soul, [il a donné] He has devoted all his time and energy to ensuring that Quebec is a nation and is represented by its artists.
A pioneer
Guy Latraverse, a pioneer of the Quebec entertainment industry, gave birth to a generation of artists. He was behind the creation of the Quebec scene’s biggest events and produced several major Quebec artists, including Claude Léveillée, Robert Charlebois, Yvon Deschamps, Diane Dufresne and Jean-Pierre Ferland.
For the singer Louise Forestier, one of Guy Latraverse’s most important contributions is the bridge he was able to build between France and Quebec.
He perfectly knew how to draw France’s attention to the Quebecers. He knew how to do it and he was great at it. He was really talented, she said in an interview with RDI.
He had fantastic confidence and flair and he had fun. He was having fun. He worked and smiled all the time. He was happy with the artists.
Although he knew Guy Latraverse had been ill for some time, Dan Bigras was shocked to learn of his death. The two men worked together for many years producing Show du Refuge.
Without him, I would never have been able to continue the show for 32 years… and there probably wouldn’t be a youth home, Mr. Bigras wrote on Facebook. I’m losing an old friend, but we’re all losing the one I consider to be the founder of show business in Quebec. […] I will never have enough gratitude for Guy.
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Producer Guy Latraverse, early 1960s.
Photo: Radio-Canada
Josélito Michaud also paid tribute to his friend Guy Latraverse, whom he describes as a star maker.
Many fond memories come back to me. An extraordinary man who had the courage of his convictions, a genuine love for artists and a burning desire to make dreams come true no matter the cost. Certainly the most relentless, passionate and determined producer in the profession. “A great visionary is leaving us,” Mr. Michaud said on Facebook.
For her part, Madeleine Careau, executive director of the Orchester symphonique du Québec and first general director of ADISQ, will remember a man of great modesty who knew how to put artists at the center.
He was an inspiring person. He was an extraordinary man and it is a great loss.
Other honors
Political figures also paid tribute to Mr. Latraverse’s memory on social media, including Quebec Premier François Legault.
Guy Latraverse, one of the great builders of Quebec’s recording and entertainment industries, has died. “My condolences go out to all his loved ones, especially his sister Louise,” commented Mr. Legault on X (ex-Twitter).
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, co-spokesperson of Québec solidaire, contributed to the concert of praise on this social network.
It is thanks to his work that many artists appreciated by the people of Quebec were able to appear on stage. Thank you, Mr. Latraverse, for everything you have done to promote our culture.
Two former provincial ministers, Christine St-Pierre and Marguerite Blais, also responded to X.
Sad news. One of the largest in the Quebec artistic world. “My sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Guy Latraverse,” Ms. St-Pierre wrote.
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Guy Latraverse, Robert Charlebois, Louise Forestier and Donald K Donald in 1970.
Photo: BAnQ /Antoine Desilets Fund
Ms. Blais wanted to highlight Mr. Latraverse’s contribution to Quebec’s cultural industry and his social commitment.
He left his mark on Quebec, not only by supporting artists, but also by promoting the cause of mental illness. So that the judgments towards bipolar people stop.
Mr. Latraverse was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1986. He then put his human, creative and philanthropic qualities at the service of mental health by founding the charity – formerly known as the Revivre Foundation – to help and inform people suffering from anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder.