Renowned Franco-Ontarian columnist denis Gratton passed away peacefully at his ottawa home on Saturday morning.He was 64 years old.
Gratton, a beloved figure in canadian journalism, had been bravely battling cancer for over two years. His family confirmed his passing earlier today.
“He insisted on living his last days at home, wiht his family, and not in a hospital or end-of-life medical center,” his family shared.
Gratton, a native of OttawaS Vanier district, was a prominent voice in Quebec and Canadian media for over three decades.He was known for his insightful commentary and his deep connection to his Franco-Ontarian roots. He was the nephew of the influential leader Gisèle Lalonde, a fact he frequently enough referenced in his writing.
He leaves behind his partner Manon Lajoie, his son Jean-Michel Gratton, and his granddaughter Mélodie, as well as thousands of readers who cherished his daily columns in *Le Droit* for over 32 years.
“he was diagnosed with a third cancer recently and decided to focus on palliative care,” his family shared. “But he insisted on living his last days at home, with his family, and not in a hospital or end-of-life medical center.”
Renowned columnist Denis Gratton, a familiar face at the Quebec newspaper Le Droit for over three decades, bravely faced his greatest challenge in late 2023: metastatic cancer. The disease,which originated in his lungs and spread to vital organs and his brain,forced Gratton to confront his mortality.
“The Fear of the Last Time”
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In a candid interview with le Droit, Gratton, a lifelong smoker, acknowledged his obligation for his illness. “I was raised in the smoke,” he confessed. “I smoked,my parents smoked,and almost everyone around me smoked. You know, I only have myself to blame, and today I have to fight this damn disease.”
Despite the grim diagnosis, Gratton displayed remarkable resilience. Meeting in a small hull café, his fighting spirit was palpable. “I just can’t give up,” he declared. “I can’t give up out of respect for all these people who care for me, those who support me. I must continue to fight for Manon, for my son Jean-Michel, for my granddaughter Mélodie. I must continue to fight for all the people who love me and whom I love. Cancer is a terrible enemy that destroys thousands of lives every day. But no matter, I have to stay strong and straight despite the fatigue, the side effects of the treatments, and above all the fear of the unavoidable.”
Gratton’s unwavering determination stemmed from a desire to live his remaining days authentically.“Yes,I’m afraid of dying,” he admitted. “My cancer is incurable. And the most exhausting part of it all is always being afraid. Fear of not knowing if this Christmas will be my last. Fear of never seeing spring again. The fear of the last time.”
After years of chronicling the lives of others, Gratton penned the final chapter of his own story. Details surrounding his funeral arrangements remain private as his family grieves.
Denis Gratton, a journalist who proudly called himself a “little ass” from Vanier, a French-speaking enclave near Ottawa, has penned his final column for the daily newspaper Le Droit. Gratton’s career, spanning over three decades, was marked by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to giving voice to the experiences of ordinary people.
Before embarking on his journalistic journey, Gratton spent several years working within the government. However, his true calling lay in journalism, a field that captivated his creativity. He joined Le Droit in the early 1990s as a regional correspondent, covering Eastern Ontario.
A pivotal moment in Gratton’s career arrived in 1993 when he was unexpectedly offered the prospect to accompany Canadian peacekeepers to Bosnia. This one-month assignment proved to be a transformative experience, shaping his journalistic path and igniting his passion for in-depth reporting.
Following his return from Bosnia, Gratton began writing a weekly column for Le Droit, a tradition that continued for an notable 30 years. His column, featured prominently on page 8, became a platform for him to share his observations, insights, and compelling narratives with readers.
“I Was Pampered”
Over the years,Gratton produced several noteworthy series of columns,including ”The Last French canadians,” “A Franco Among the Anglos,” and “In the Land of Zachary,” which chronicled his experiences covering the World Acadian Congress in Lafayette,Louisiana. His coverage of the fight for the survival of the Montfort hospital also garnered significant attention.
Gratton’s dedication to his craft and his insightful reporting on the montfort hospital saga earned Le Droit an honorable mention in the prestigious michener awards competition, recognizing excellence in Canadian journalism.
Reflecting on his career, Gratton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with countless individuals whose stories enriched his life. ”I had the chance to meet hundreds, even thousands of unusual people who, through their stories, their lives, their courage, taught me so much about life,” he said.
“Le Droit allowed me to travel and visit places I never thought I would see with my own eyes. And wherever he delegated me, I had the chance and the priviledge to tell you about it, a bit as if I were taking you with me.I was lucky. I was pampered.”
— Denis Gratton, in his latest column in Le Droit
With his final column published on March 24, Gratton bids farewell to his readers, leaving behind a legacy of compelling storytelling and a deep recognition for the power of human connection.
The canadian journalism world is mourning the loss of a titan. Pierre Juneau, the former president of the Canadian Broadcasting corporation (CBC) and a champion of Canadian media, passed away on August 21, 2023, just two days shy of the 110th anniversary of his beloved daily newspaper, Le Droit.
Juneau’s legacy extends far beyond his tenure at the CBC. He was a passionate advocate for a strong and self-reliant Canadian media landscape, believing it was essential to the country’s cultural identity.His contributions were recognized by many, including liberal MP for Orléans, Marie-France Lalonde, who paid tribute to him in the House of Commons a few days after his passing.
“He was a giant of Canadian journalism,” Lalonde said. “He dedicated his life to ensuring that Canadians had access to quality news and information.”
Juneau’s impact on Canadian media will be felt for generations to come. His unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and his belief in the power of a free press continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
This article provides a chronological biography of Denis Gratton,a prominent columnist for the Quebec newspaper *Le Droit*.
Here are the key takeaways:
* **Life and Career:**
* Gratton was a well-known journalist in Quebec and Canada,known for his insightful commentary and connection to his Franco-Ontarian roots.
* He spent over 32 years writing for *Le Droit*, becoming a familiar face to readers.
* he started as a regional correspondent and gained recognition for his in-depth reporting after covering Canadian peacekeepers in Bosnia in 1993.
* His weekly column, featured on page 8 of the newspaper, became highly popular and ran for 30 years.
* **Final Chapter:**
* Gratton was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in late 2023, a disease that originated in his lungs and spread to vital organs and his brain.
* He opted for palliative care and spent his last days at home with his family, as per his wishes.
* Known for his honesty,he openly acknowledged the role of smoking in his illness.
* He bravely faced his mortality, expressing his fear of the “last time,” but also his determination to live fully until the end.
* **Legacy:**
* Gratton’s work chronicled the lives of everyday people and gave voice to the experiences of Franco-Ontarians.
* He is remembered for his storytelling abilities, insightful commentary, and his authentic connection with his readers.
* **Family:**
* He leaves behind his partner Manon Lajoie,son jean-Michel Gratton,and granddaughter Mélodie.
The article highlights the professionalism, resilience, and humanity of Denis Gratton, a journalist who touched the lives of manny through his writing.
