Legendary broadcaster Rodger Brulotte has died at the age of 79 after a short battle with cancer. The renowned radio and television sports commentator and voice of the baseball team Montreal Expos had undergone surgery last September to remove a cancerous tumour from his back, but the disease returned in recent months. The news was confirmed in a statement by Baseball Québec's general manager Maxime Lamarche who said: "Rodger had a very big heart, and he used it selflessly in service of others. His generosity touched generations of players, coaches, and volunteers. We will remember him as a unifying and deeply humane man."
Québecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau also paid tribute in a statement saying: "Rodger’s authenticity and kindness made him a beloved figure in the hearts of Quebecers. He brought passion to his work and a rare ability to connect with people. Rodger helped shape the Journal de Montréal’s identity. He was — and always will be — one of its most iconic voices.
“It was a privilege to be able to count on him during all these years — as a respected columnist for the Journal, a gifted broadcaster on TVA Sports, and above all a friend.
"On behalf of everyone at Quebecor, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Pascale Vallée and to all his loved ones and colleagues. He will be profoundly missed," he concluded.
Quebec Premier François Legault paid tribute to the star on X recalling him as a "kind man and saying it was " a joy it was to watch baseball games with him."
He continued: "I already miss his 'Good evening, it is gone!' A line that will forever be etched in our collective memory.
"Always present at philanthropic events with his 'Tour partout' column, he was also very involved with young people at the Foundation for Educational Encouragement.
"I still treasure a baseball he gave me for my birthday. My condolences to his wife Pascale, his family, and his dear friend Michel Bergeron," he concluded.
Montreal-born Rodger becan his working life as a scout for the Montreal Expos in 1969 but moved into braodcasting in 1984 when he was hired by radio station CKAC to serve as colour commentator.
He went on to enjoy a four decade career in radio and television as well writing columns for the Journal de Montréal over the years.
