Quebec is in mourning today following the loss of one of its most legendary and beloved voices. Rodger Brulotte, the iconic broadcaster, columnist, and co-creator of the famous mascot Youppi!, passed away Friday at the age of 79. Brulotte had been fighting a cancerous tumor in his back since last September, showing incredible resilience by continuing to write his columns from his hospital bed until very recently.
«Bonsoir, elle est partie!» — A legacy beyond baseball
While Brulotte was the face and voice of the Montreal Expos for decades, his influence bridged the gap between baseball and hockey like few others. His signature home run call, «Bonsoir, elle est partie!», became a part of the cultural fabric of Quebec.
Within the Montreal Canadiens organization, his legacy literally lives on every game night. As the co-creator of Youppi!, a project born during the Expos era that was later «adopted» by the Habs, Brulotte ensured that his spirit of joy would continue to reach children at the Bell Centre for generations to home.
57 years of passion and heart
Brulotte’s career spanned nearly six deacdes, during which he served as a scout, public relations expert, and a passionate commentator for Le Journal de Montréal and TVA Sports. In 2019, he was awarded the National Assembly Medal for his lifetime achievements, a testament to a man who prioritized community and young athletes above all else.
«Rodger was everyone’s friend. A man of great generosity… Quebec will never be the same without him. We all lose a friend tonight.» — Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports.
Brulotte reportedly wished for his passing to be announced with the same phrase that defined his career. Today, as Quebec says a final goodbye, the sentiment is clear: He wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was a unifying figure who brought warmth and energy to every home he reached through the microphone.