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Montréal, January 26, 2026 - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mario Brisebois, a journalist and columnist, following a courageous battle with illness. A key figure in sports journalism for 50 years, Mario Brisebois played a central role in Québec's sports ecosystem. Through the scope of his work and his deep commitment, he exerted a real and lasting influence on the golf, ski, and tennis communities, contributing to their recognition and growth. He has devoted his career to raising the profile of sport and promoting athletes.

A journalist at Le Journal de Montréal for 36 years, Mario Brisebois has also worked on the radio, notably on 98.5 FM, and on television as a commentator at RDS. His recognized expertise has been called upon by a number of sports organizations, including Ski Québec, Tennis Canada, and Golf Québec, in addition to being a long-standing contributor to Golf Canada.

A native of Shawinigan, Mario Brisebois developed a passion for golf at an early age. In 1973, he caddied for Jocelyne Bourassa in her historic victory at the LPGA's La Canadienne tournament in Montréal. Jocelyne Bourassa credited his caddie with playing a key role in her victory. This landmark experience had a profound influence on Mario's career and led him to a career in journalism.

Honours and Distinctions

In the world of golf, Mario Brisebois was the unanimous choice. He established himself as one of the most informed and respected voices in the game. His commitment was recognized by his induction into the Québec Golf Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2003, he also received Golf Canada's Distinguished Service Award, a distinction honouring an exceptional contribution to the sport. In 2005, along with other columnists, he helped create the Pierre-Nadon Prize. This award is presented annually in memory of his great friend, in recognition of the contribution of a person who left his mark on the advancement of Québec golf.

In the ski world, he played an outstanding role through his sustained coverage of the performances of local athletes. His work was recognized by the International Ski Federation, which awarded him the title of Outstanding Columnist.

In tennis, he was named Journalist of the Year by Tennis Québec and inducted into the Panthéon de la renommée du tennis québécois, in the Builders category, underlining the importance of his contribution to the development and influence of the sport.

A unique human touch

Beyond the words and articles he wrote, Mario Brisebois was, above all, a deeply human journalist. He paid particular attention to Québec's up-and-coming athletes, whom he followed with kindness over the years. His way of telling the story of sport went far beyond results: he knew how to give meaning to efforts, choices and sacrifices. For many athletes, both amateur and professional, he was a discreet and sincere ally.

His way of being and working earned him the esteem of everyone he came into contact with. Keen to recognize the talent of others, he valued his peers and left his mark on the professional lives of the many people with whom he worked.

True to his nature, Mario showed great courage in his fight against illness. Right up to the end, he was able to count on the unfailing support of his wife, Nicole, and his two daughters, Andréanne and Catherine. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Olivier, Sara Maude, William, Édouard and Henri, of whom he was immensely proud.

The family would like to extend their warmest thanks to the care teams at the Jewish General Hospital in Montréal and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke for the quality and humanity of the care they provided.

Testimonials

People who worked with him for many years have spoken of the impact he has had on their lives and their communities.

"I consider Mario to be a true pioneer in the development of tennis in Québec since the 1980s. He developed the niche of daily tennis coverage, which didn't exist before. A passionate journalist, he was interested in Québec athletes, of course, but also in the behind-the-scenes workers, administrators, and volunteers from all over Québec. On a very personal note, he played an important role in my own career, notably when he wrote a decisive article supporting my candidacy to succeed Richard Legendre as Director of the Canadian Open in Montréal in 2001." - Eugène Lapierre, Director of the National Bank Montréal Tennis Open from 2001 to 2022.

"Mario has always been a beacon in the turmoil of my sporting career. He was a reserved man, disconcertingly humble, but extremely effective. Always ready with good advice, he was more than a journalist: above all, he was a friend who enlightened me in the darkest moments and made me shine in the happiest. Altruism in its most generous sense. He tolerated honours, but preferred to be a spectator. His ability to listen allowed him to know everything, but his sense of friendship dictated what he should filter. He was a sort of mentor, but refused to be called one - far too pretentious for his taste! It was a privilege to work with him. His light always guided me to my destination, as it did many of my colleagues in freestyle skiing, a sport he did a great deal to promote. Thank you for everything, Mario." - Jean-Luc Brassard, Olympic freestyle skiing champion.

"I had the immense privilege of counting on his friendship and mentorship for many years. A true gentleman, Mario showed great kindness, sincere concern, and remarkable common sense. A fully deserved member of the Québec Golf Hall of Fame, he showcased our best talent throughout his career. His tireless commitment also made a significant contribution to the influence of the Jocelyne Bourassa Heritage Fund, supporting the training of coaches and the awarding of academic bursaries to women golf professionals. I will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, dear Mario." - Diane Dunlop-Hébert, former President of Golf Canada and Golf Québec, Director of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

"I've just lost a friend, a true friend! He fought this bloody cancer with admirable courage, but what will always remain is not the disease... it's the man he was. Even when words became difficult to say, he still found the strength to write them. Our exchanges were filled with kindness, accuracy and respect. He had that rare gift of understanding people, all people, without judgment or malice. A respected sports journalist, he gave so much to the world of golf and sport in Québec. He helped, encouraged and highlighted. He was the first to believe in me and to write about me when I was taking my first steps as a broadcaster. I've never forgotten that gesture. He deeply respected women in sport, recognizing their place and their contribution, and never hesitated to put them forward. He sincerely admired them. He was grateful, attentive and loyal. He had a heartfelt memory. During my illness, he was there. He was always there. For me, for my wife, whom he loved dearly and who loved him just as much. My friend Mario was a man of humanity. A great man. Thank you for everything you were, my friend. You leave a deep, true and indelible mark on my heart! You will live on in our memories, our laughter and our gratitude. Mario, I miss you so much already. Have a good trip. We'll see you again." - Ron Fournier, radio host, journalist and sports commentator.

"A journalist who becomes a friend over 40 years is a journalist who does more than just write. It's a journalist who gives of himself, who devotes himself, who tells, who respects, who understands and who loves. He is a journalist and, above all, an exceptional man. He's our Mario. He's our great Mario Brisebois. Hats off to you, Mario B!" - Richard Legendre, former Québec Minister responsible for Sport and influential figure in Québec sport

"Throughout his career, Mario made a major contribution to the development and popularity of tennis, golf, and skiing. Everyone loved him: to meet him was to love him. Always available to hear what athletes had to say, deeply respectful of their reality, Mario was also a hard worker, driven by a sincere passion for sport and the people who bring it to life. Today, I mourn a friend." - Réjean Genois, former professional tennis player and President of Tennis Québec for more than thirty years.

A commemorative event will be held in the coming weeks to honour his memory. The family will be releasing details shortly.

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In addition to these testimonials, André Rousseau pays tribute to his friend Mario in a column published on the lescoulissesdusport.ca website.

For more information, contact:

Marie-Anik L'Allier

514 983-8236

On a more personal note, I'm one of the many people whose career has been shaped by Mario Brisebois. From the moment I started at Ski Québec, he supported me with a rare generosity and kindness that had a decisive impact on the course of my career. I am eternally grateful to him.

Archive photo: Mario Brisebois alongside Jocelyne Bourassa at the LPGA's La Canadienne tournament in 1973, when he played a key role as caddie in her historic victory.