Business luminary Bernard Lemaire passed away on November 8, 2023, at the age of 87.
Bernard Lemaire’s journey from a family recycling business to the forefront of a multinational corporation is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Lemaire’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Who Was Bernard Lemaire?
Bernard Lemaire was the co-founder and former Chairman of Cascades Inc.
Lemaire had a great impact on the Canadian business landscape.
His journey into the business world began in 1960 when he joined the family recycling business, Drummond Pulp & Fibre.
Three years later, in 1963, he, alongside his father and brother Laurent, laid the foundation for what would become Cascades Inc., originally known as Papier Cascades Inc.
Lemaire served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades Inc. until 1992.
Under his astute leadership, Cascades transformed from a modest paper mill in Kingsey Falls, Quebec, into a multinational powerhouse boasting 90 plants and a workforce of 11,000 employees across Canada, the United States, and France.
His strategic vision propelled the company to unprecedented heights in the industry.
In acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions, Lemaire was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1987.
This prestigious recognition, a testament to a lifetime of achievement and merit, underscored his profound impact on the nation’s business landscape.
Additionally, in 2002, he was honored with the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur in France, further solidifying his international acclaim.