As part of the Montreal Auto Show which is being held at the Palais des congrès until tomorrow, my guest this week is Denis Dessureault, executive vice-president of the Corporation of Montreal Automobile Dealers, of the CCAM Foundation and the Auto Show.
Denis has always resided in LaSalle and, for the past 27 years, he has lived there with his partner Sylvie Lambert. He had an experience in his life that is the envy of all Canadian fans. He never wore the team’s jersey, but in 1993, he celebrated winning the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens players in their locker room.
You’ve been running the Auto Show for 23 years.
In fact, I have been running the Salon for 25 years. However, due to the pandemic, there was no Show for two years. The Montreal Auto Show, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is a focal point for the city of Montreal on the international scene.
What is the influence of your parents, Gérald and Adèle?
My father, who was a police officer with the SPVM, had to provide for the needs of my mother, my two sisters and me. He earned money to buy a duplex in LaSalle, which allowed my two sisters and me to share a pleasant life with our parents thanks to the life values that my father instilled in us.
Your mother will be 93 years old in the next month.
I am so happy and blessed to have my mother, Adèle, in my life. Originally from the Magdalen Islands, mom became an artist late in life because she had to take care of family needs while my father worked.
She has held painting exhibitions on the Islands.
Mom is the artist in the family. His paintings of the region of his childhood are a dazzling source of inspiration. I’m so proud of her.
Your mother speaks three languages.
To tell you the truth, she speaks French and English. The third, I invented. Every time an animal crosses her path, she talks to it. That’s why I told her she spoke squirrel language.
Your passion for cars started at the age of 5.
I used to tell my parents not to come into my room because there was too much traffic, as my Match car collection was scattered all over the floor.
You identified cars by the taillights.
We played in the street and every time a car passed we looked at the taillights because the year of the car was printed on the lights.
Your baseball glove was wrapped around the handlebars of your bike.
The only team sport I played was football when I was 11 and 12 years old. However, other sports that I really enjoyed were cycling, baseball, street hockey and tennis.
What was your first job?
-I was a hawker and then I worked in the city parks as a day camp counselor before becoming responsible for equipment. I was also a salesman at Simpson’s store.
You couldn’t wait to get your driver’s license.
And how! The morning I turned 16, I was at the school gate for my driving lessons. I loved cars so much that I drew a Mazda RX and had it framed.
You were a bartender at Bar Le Inn Rawdon.
I was 18 and the bar belonged to my uncle. The job paid well, which allowed me to pay for my studies at the University of Sherbrooke and, afterward, a year at UQAM.
Describe your time at school to me?
I was always among the top of the class. When I finished high school at Cavelier-De LaSalle, I was the president of the student association. While at Cégep André-Laurendeau, I was in charge of the Travel Club.
Your mentor was your uncle Christian.
My uncle traveled a lot, because he had work contracts in Africa. My desire was to be like him, but my plans changed. However, he sold me my first car, a used Mazda.
You worked with the Canadian.
Michèle Lapointe, director of media relations, hired me and appointed me assistant to Donald Beauchamp for communications. I met Sylvie Lambert there, who also worked at Le Canadien. A few years after I left, we formed a blended family that includes three wonderful children. I have never been so happy.
You were a big family at the Canadian.
Ronald Corey, the president, and Serge Savard, the CEO, created such a great family atmosphere with the employees who we thought were members of the hockey team.
You experienced a priceless moment on June 7, 1993.
I am still in communication with the Canadian. That evening, the Canadian won the 24th at the Montreal Forume Stanley Cup in its history, against the Los Angeles Kings. Due to the riots in the street, I was able to celebrate this victory with the players in their locker room.
You have a photo with Patrick Roy in your office.
I can still see myself celebrating this conquest of the Stanley Cup with Éric Desjardins, Jean-Jacques Daigneault and Jacques Demers. The pinnacle of these celebrations is found in my office. A photo of Patrick Roy and I holding the Stanley Cup. Yes, a priceless moment!
