Pierre Des Marais II, OC: adviser, nature lover and friend

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) owes its success to a variety of partners: businesspeople, members of our board, donors and friends. Pierre Des Marais II belonged to all of these categories. 

His professional accomplishments included serving as mayor of Outremont, chairing the boards of the Communauté urbaine de Montréal and Canadair, being appointed to the Order of Canada, and much more! This wealth of experience made him a valuable member of NCC’s board of directors.   

Beyond his impressive achievements, Pierre Des Marais II was a man of simple tastes who enjoyed spending time with his nine children and many friends, as well as playing drums after an intense day of skiing (his favourite sport). He also loved being in nature. Mount Sutton, his number one spot for skiing, greatly benefited from his generosity. He assisted NCC in protecting nature surrounding the ski area — first convincing a wealthy friend to donate funds and then accompanying NCC through the seven-year process! 

A bon vivant, committed husband and father, loyal friend, man of his word and nature lover, this is how we will remember Pierre Des Marais II. We will be forever grateful for the time he gave to NCC and for what he helped us accomplish, thanks to his astute advice, experience and qualities as a human being.  

In tribute to Pierre Des Marais II, OC (1934–2021) 

Are you inspired by Pierre Des Marais II’s example? Click here to find out how you, too, can contribute to protecting nature!