February 23, 2007

“It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Léon Bellefleur, a great Canadian artist whose impressionist works left an indelible mark on Canada. He expressed himself freely and spontaneously, as evidenced in all his creations, and his passion enriched our heritage and captured our imaginations.

Fascinated with drawing and painting from a very young age, his mastery and the vividness of his art earned him the recognition of a number of renowned institutions, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. He received a number of grants, including a Guggenheim fellowship as part of a Canadian delegation. He was also the first recipient of the Prix Paul-Émile Borduas.

He accomplished great things in his life, and yet always displayed great integrity, generosity and respect. He will remain etched in the memories of all those who were blessed enough to know him and to appreciate his qualities, and to all of you I offer my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”

Michaëlle Jean

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