« La vraie générosité envers l’avenir consiste à tout donner au présent. »
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”
— Albert Camus, L’Homme révolté

The Canadian Association of Radiologists is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jacques Lévesque, Past President of the CAR and recipient of the CAR Gold Medal. He died in Québec City on October 13, 2026, at the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, at the age of 75.

Dr. Lévesque was involved in radiology at the national level long before he joined the CAR Board of Directors in 2008. He served in executive roles before becoming President from 2013 to 2015. Few people have shaped the Association as profoundly. He was a leader, a strategic thinker and, above all, a convenor. He held a clear, long-term vision of the best of Canadian radiology and worked steadily to make it real. He brought radiologists together across provinces, practice settings and languages. He also built lasting bridges between the CAR and its international partners, including the Société française de radiologie, the European Society of Radiology, the International Society of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America and the American College of Radiology, strengthening the place of Canadian radiology on the world stage.

When the CAR faced difficult times, Jacques was there. He gave the Association extra effort on top of his professional and family responsibilities, which were already considerable. He did it without hesitation, because he believed in what the CAR could be for radiologists and their patients.

His leadership extended well beyond the boardroom. As CEO of Radiologie et imagerie médicale de la Capitale, he combined clinical excellence with a deep understanding of how radiology serves patients and health systems. He was a passionate radiologist and a tireless advocate for his profession, and he devoted his life to it with a determination and commitment that never left him. In 2022, the CAR awarded him its Gold Medal, the Association’s highest honour, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the CAR and to radiology in Canada. In accepting it, he said he was proud of his years in CAR leadership and believed the Association’s role was essential for radiologists.

To many radiologists across the country, Jacques was a mentor and a friend. You could call him in the middle of the night, and he would be there for you with steady, thoughtful counsel. He was a man of conviction, a natural rallier of people and a warm presence, always generous and quick to share a good laugh. Many of today’s leaders in Canadian radiology carry his guidance with them. Jacques was a true steward of his community, and he undoubtedly left it better than he found it. He leaves us too soon. He will not be forgotten.

Jacques was deeply devoted to his family. He was a loving father and an attentive grandfather, and he shared a special bond with his grandchildren. A passionate traveller, he had the joy of seeing the world with his wife, Louise. Together they passed that love of discovery on to their children and grandchildren, sharing many adventures and creating cherished memories.

He was the son of the late Jacqueline Mathieu and the late Georges-Henri Lévesque. He is survived by his wife, Louise Nolet, and their six children: Marie-Hélène Lévesque (René Dinh), Philippe Nolet-Lévesque (Audrey Blais), Simon Nolet-Lévesque, Catherine Nolet-Lévesque (Edward Yoon), Robert Nolet-Lévesque (Marie-France Pageau) and François Nolet-Lévesque (Karine Thériault). He also leaves his eight grandchildren, Alexandre, Alice, Émilie, Noah, Anna, Émile, Henri and Florence; his brothers, Michel and Louis Lévesque; and many relatives and friends.

On behalf of the CAR Board of Directors, staff, and members, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who were privileged to know him.