MONTREAL, August 10, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The following press release was issued by Campaign Life Coalition Canada following the sudden death of a great LifeSiteNews.com fan, friend, and inspiration: The Pro-life family is deeply saddened by the death of one of its most loved and respected leaders, Mr. Gilles Grondin of Montreal. M. Grondin, after working for several years in the Ottawa office of Campaign Life Coalition bringing the pro-life message to French speaking MPs, established Campagne Quebec-Vie in September 1989, as the Quebec branch of CLC. Gilles brought with him experience gained from a 30 year career with the Canadian Diplomatic Corps. In 1993, after attending a meeting on behalf of CLC, Gilles alerted us to the newly declassified document, NSSM 200 which shocked the movement regarding de-population. In 1994 Gilles, along with Louis DiRocco of CLC, attended the first UN population conference in Cairo at the request of Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition and on behalf of CLC. These two men were such a valuable asset, with their lobbying talents and multilingual skills to the delegates from over 100 nations attending, that Jim Hughes was asked to extend their stay. They were sent on behalf of Campaign Life Coalition to subsequent conferences in New York, Copenhagen and Beijing. Both men lobbied MPs in 1995 before the Beijing conference. For over 10 years Gilles laboured valiantly to establish Campagne Quebec-Vie as an effective pro-life voice. He overcame many obstacles and communicated regularly with pro-lifers in Quebec by newsletters and communiqués. He was an essential part of the Pro-life national family.
Gilles was President of Campagne Quebec-Vie until his recent retirement from that position in 2002. Even after his well-deserved retirement from the position he provided excellent lobbying reports from his visits to French-speaking politicians and diplomats from various missions in Ottawa. Jim Hughes had just given him a new assignment which he was looking forward to carrying out. He took part in many public discussions and debates, and was a frequently invited guest on TV and radio programs where his pro-life and pro-family convictions provided a stark contrast to those who opposed him. Gilles faith was an inspiration to all who knew him. His devotion to Our lord and His Blessed Mother dominated his life. His intensive prayer life enabled him to carry on in spite of many difficulties and illnesses. M. Grondin died on Thursday, August 5, 2004. He leaves behind his wife, Simone Bossanne, his grandson, Michel Mpoulimpassis, granddaughter Nathalie Mpoulimpassis and his son-in law Tom Mpoulimpassis. Visitation will take place at Complexe funeraire Beaubien Charles E. Rajotte inc. 1350 Beaubien East in Montreal (514-271-4533) on Thursday, August 12th from 2:00 p.m.to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday, August 13th from 12 noon to 1:45 p.m. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for M. Grondin on Friday, August 13th at 2:00 p.m. at St-Ambrose parish 1215, Beaubien East in Montreal. Burial will take place at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemetery. We will miss you Gilles. As you join the pro-life team beyond the faithful on earth, pray for your companions still struggling against the threats to human life.