Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien 1928 – 2025

Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien
1928 – 2025

MONTREAL, April 10, 2025 – The family of well-known family man, entrepreneur and philanthropist Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien is deeply saddened to announce his death on April 9, 2025.

He passed away peacefully at his home in the Laurentians at the age of 97, after a life devoted to family, friends, community, meaningful work and deep spirituality.

Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien marked Montreal, Quebec and Canada’s history in many ways for more than 50 years. As Director of Operations for the iconic Montreal Expo 1967 World’s Fair, this creative visionary ensured the event’s international success.

In 1968, he took over the management of Telemedia, a conglomerate of radio and television stations that would continue to grow. By 2000, Telemedia consisted of 26 radio stations, 17 magazines and 24 weekly newspapers across Canada.

A keen philanthropist, in 1990 he and his wife and life partner, Nan-b, created the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation, which launched the Institute for Family Enterprise with the aim of securing the future of families in business and their businesses. The family business centres expanded across Canada and then worldwide. Starting in 2012, they and their grandchildren created AquaAction, an organization whose mission is to protect freshwater in North America so that it is accessible to all, clean, abundant and managed with sustainable solutions based on technology and the talent of young entrepreneurs,

“My father’s leadership helped shape modern Quebec and Canada, and his influence was felt well beyond our borders. He leaves behind not only a legacy of visionary accomplishments in business and philanthropy, but also a lifetime of unforgettable memories for us, his family. He was a devoted family man whose boundless energy and passion touched everything he built — and everyone he met.  He has left an indelible mark on all who knew him and he shall forever live within our hearts,” says François de Gaspé Beaubien.

For more information visit the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation’s website: www.fondationdegaspebeaubien.org/en/tributes/

A private ceremony for family and friends will be held at a later date, while the place and date of the funeral will be announced as soon as possible. A testimonial book is available on the Foundation’s website: www.fondationdegaspebeaubien.org/en/submit-tribute/

Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien n’est plus
En 1990, l’entrepreneur a créé avec son épouse Nan-b la Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien, qui soutient la préservation de l’eau, l’entrepreneuriat et le développement communautaire.
Son fils François de Gaspé Beaubien a souligné la contribution de son père au Québec et au Canada.
« Il nous laisse non seulement un héritage d’accomplissements visionnaires dans les affaires et la philanthropie, mais aussi une vie entière de souvenirs inoubliables pour nous tous, sa famille », a-t-il déclaré par communiqué.

Désirée McGraw
Québec MNA for NDG and Official critic for Social Economy, Community action // Députée de NDG, Porte-parole en matière d’Économie sociale, solidarité sociale et action communautaire. Lifelong climate champion.
I had the distinct privilege of working with the de Gaspé Beaubien family and their foundation. Their infectious energy, unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, and deep commitment to protecting Canada’s freshwater resources truly inspired me.
My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, who I know will continue to honour and amplify his remarkable legacy for generations to come.
J’ai eu le grand privilège de collaborer avec la remarquable famille de Gaspé Beaubien et leur fondation. Leur énergie contagieuse, leur esprit entrepreneurial inébranlable et leur engagement profond envers la protection des eaux douces du hashtag#Canada m’ont profondément inspirée.
J’offre mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux proches de Philippe II de Gaspé Beaubien. Je suis convaincue qu’ils continueront à faire rayonner son précieux héritage pour les générations à venir.