Gilles Bélanger

Dear Mr. Gallagher: I was a friend of Gilles especially from 1989 to 1994 when I was living in Ottawa. I always remembered him dearly and I always meant to give him a call from Québec City where I have been living for the past eight years. Today, I thought I would just do that since I am in Ottawa on business for the Québec government until Thursday February 23, 2017. Looking for his number on the Internet, I was shocked to learn of his passing. I know you were a close friend to Gilles as he often mentioned you to me. I think the last time I saw him was about 10 years ago when I was working part-time for the Bloc Québecois in Ottawa (Gilles used to tease me lot about my politics as you can imagine). I should tell you that Gilles has a big place in my heart. He was my prime confident when I did my coming out at 27, exactly 27 years ago. He was a good listener and kept telling me how difficult it had been for him to come out, especially since he was always around hockey players and sportsmen. He also told me that once he would pay his mortgage, he planned to retire and travel. I hope he had the chance to do that and I so very much hope that he did not suffer before leaving us. I am writing to you since I have not had the chance to meet any of his siblings. I know that he was taking good care of this mother though, and that she was very important to him. Please accept my deepest if much belated condolences. If you can provide me with details and solace on his departure I would appreciate it very much. Merci pour tout, Gilles. Je t'embrasse. Sincerely, Claude Côté