The death of Rodger Brulotte at 78 has left Quebec’s sports world in shock, but the most emotional reaction came from Michel Bergeron. In a deeply moving tribute, Bergeron opened up about a friendship that lasted 66 years — a bond filled with laughter, arguments, wild stories, and unwavering loyalty.
Brulotte, who passed away after a battle with cancer, was more than a legendary baseball voice. To Bergeron, he was family. And as the longtime hockey coach struggled to hold back tears, one thing became clear: this was not just a loss — it was the end of a lifetime connection.
Major outlets like La Presse and Le Journal de Montréal highlighted the emotional impact of his passing, but Bergeron’s words revealed the real story behind the headlines.
66 Years of Friendship That Never Broke
Rodger Brulotte and Michel Bergeron met as teenagers in Rosemont. At first, they were rivals in baseball. Soon after, they became teammates in hockey with the Saints de Laval in the early 1960s.
They were just 16 and 17 years old — and from that moment, their bond never faded. Even as their careers took different paths, they remained inseparable. Bergeron coached hockey, while Brulotte became the iconic voice of the Montreal Expos.
“We talked 10 times a week,” Bergeron revealed. That level of connection lasted decades — something rare even among close friends.
Emotional Tribute: “He Never Complained”
Bergeron’s grief was raw and real. He spoke about visiting Brulotte in the hospital and struggling to accept what was happening.
“Every time I came back, I told myself it wasn’t possible,” he said.
What stood out most was Brulotte’s strength. Despite battling cancer, he never complained. That resilience left a deep impression on Bergeron, who described him as a man who always stayed positive, even in the hardest moments.
“Today, he’s gone,” Bergeron said quietly — a line that captured the weight of the loss.
A Personality Larger Than Life
Rodger Brulotte wasn’t just well-known — he was unforgettable. Bergeron described him as:
- Always ready to help anyone
- Connected to everyone — even having personal contacts for top officials
- Full of energy, humor, and boldness
He was often called the “dépanneur officiel” (the ultimate problem-solver). Need a doctor? A mechanic? A contact? Brulotte always had a solution.
But he also had a wild, unpredictable side.
Crazy Stories That Defined Him
After 66 years of friendship, Bergeron had no shortage of unforgettable stories.
One of the most famous? When Bergeron was hospitalized after heart problems, Brulotte refused to stay away.
He disguised himself as a doctor just to visit his friend.
“No one else could get in — not even my kids,” Bergeron recalled. “But Rodger found a way.”
That story alone captures his personality: loyal, fearless, and a little outrageous.
Another moment showed his humor. Brulotte once attended a funeral with Bergeron — only to admit afterward:
“I don’t even know the guy.”
Yet somehow, he still comforted the family like a close friend. That was Brulotte — always present, always involved, always larger than life.
Pranks, Laughs, and Pure Chaos
Brulotte was also known for his legendary pranks.
He owned gadgets designed to surprise people — including:
- A phone that sprayed water
- A flute that shot flour into someone’s face
Even his colleagues weren’t safe. But it wasn’t just about jokes — it was about creating moments people would never forget.
He also had a habit of calling friends in the middle of the night — just to remind them it was his birthday.
Annoying? Maybe. Memorable? Absolutely.
From Baseball to Fidel Castro
Long before becoming a broadcaster, Brulotte was a talented athlete.
He played as a catcher and even represented Canada in Cuba in 1964.
In one unbelievable moment, he reportedly outperformed none other than Fidel Castro during a game where the Cuban leader joined in.
It’s the kind of story that sounds almost unreal — but perfectly fits Brulotte’s legendary life.
A Friendship of Fights and Loyalty
Their friendship wasn’t always peaceful. Bergeron admitted they argued — especially on the golf course.
“Sometimes we hated each other,” he said.
But they never stayed apart for long.
“We couldn’t live without each other.”
That honesty made their bond even stronger. It wasn’t perfect — it was real.
The Famous “Rosemont Clique”
Brulotte and Bergeron were part of a tight-knit group known as the “Rosemont clique,” which included:
- Pierre Lacroix
- Richard Morency
- Ménick, a legendary barber in Montreal
Over the years, that group slowly faded. Some passed away, others faced health challenges.
Now, with Brulotte gone, Bergeron feels that circle shrinking faster than ever.
“That’s life,” he said — a simple but heavy conclusion.
A Loss Bigger Than Sports
Rodger Brulotte’s death is not just a sports story. It’s a story about friendship, loyalty, and time.
For Bergeron, it’s the loss of someone who was present in nearly every chapter of his life — from teenage years to old age.
For fans, it’s the loss of a voice that brought energy and passion to the game.
But for those who truly knew him, it’s the loss of a man who showed up — no matter what.
Final Thoughts
Rodger Brulotte lived a life full of energy, humor, and connection. Through Michel Bergeron’s emotional tribute, the world got a glimpse of the man behind the public persona.
A prankster. A connector. A loyal friend. A larger-than-life personality.
And above all — someone impossible to replace.
Even in death, his stories continue to live on. And for Bergeron, those memories will last forever.
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