Michel Lemire 1937-2024 – Agropur Mourns One of Its Great Builders
It was with much sadness that we learned of the late April death of Michel Lemire. He was 86. As chairman of the Agropur board of directors from 1975 to 1991, Lemire played a key role in the Cooperative’s 85-year history.
His long career was crowned with success. He garnered widespread praise as a milk producer, distinguishing himself for the quality of his work on the farm and his involvement in genetics. He sat for nearly 25 years on the Cooperative’s board of directors before becoming, in 1975, the first President chosen from outside the township of Granby.
He contributed to the growth and transformation of the Cooperative at a pivotal moment in its history. Many of the decisions made under his leadership still define us today, nearly 40 years after his presidency, like the new name created for the Cooperative—Agropur—in 1979, as well as the consolidation of its fluid milk activities and the creation of the Natrel brand in 1990.
His vision also led to a major shift in our community outreach, as we began creating a larger space for young farmers and contributing to their development. We proudly marked the 40th anniversary of the Young Cooperative Leaders Program last year. Lemire was also at the reins when our Club of Excellence was created. It celebrated its 35th anniversary last year.
On every platform having to do with dairy production and cooperatives, he was there, standing up for the interests of Agropur and its members. The legacy he leaves behind is enormous.
He is survived by his wife, Lise Desruisseaux, and his children Gloria, Mathieu, Carmen, Pascal, Georges, and Martial, a member who sits as a director on the Agropur board, and his grandchildren and numerous family members and friends.
Thank you for everything, Michel.
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