Tribute to PDG Jacques Châteauvert
Jacques has been interested in Rotary for more than 54 years. As he liked to say, he was initially refused at the Rotary Club of Rimouski, because his classification as a "dancer" was not taken seriously. But he persisted and fortunately for Rotary because over the years, he founded 19 clubs in Quebec, in addition to sponsoring many members. Today, we can say that at least 500 people have lived a Rotarian life thanks to Jacques Châteauvert, as many people who have followed in his footsteps, not by dancing but by placing themselves at the service of others. Imagine the impact this has had for many communities.
Enthusiastic and energetic, Jacques embodies Rotary's motto: "Service above self". He made it the theme of his year as governor of our district (7790 Maine-Québec), in 1992-1993, True happiness is helping others. Yes, he continued to help with his district project: to raise enough funds from clubs and Rotary International to donate 85 dairy cows to a poor region of Nicaragua. In addition, Jacques is at the origin of bilingualism in our district; We can therefore work in French in our district for a long time thanks to him, Jacques has also campaigned for women to be full members. He was, as his memory will dictate, a pioneer.
What is fabulous is that through his immense involvement in Rotary, Jacques founded the Jacques Duval dance school whose reputation is second to none. He even found the opportunity to write with his wife Céline, his autobiography Ma vie comme une danse, in 2012.
Jacques had the rhythm, the "swing" as they say and the fever of dance and Rotary. He has applied it both to Rotary and to his personal and professional life. We will be eternally grateful.
Thank you Jacques.
Daniel Thibault
On behalf of past and present members of the Rotary Club of Quebec
