Bob Lavoie.The Globe and Mail
Bob Lavoie: Visionary. Husband. Father. Friend. Born June 14, 1946, in Quebec City; died June 17, 2017, in Montreal, of a heart attack; aged 71.
The morning I turned 7, I jumped on Bob’s bed. My big brother cracked open one eye – he was 17; it was a morning after – but instead of “Scram!” he said, “Open the bottom drawer.” I did, and a bright, new Etch A Sketch gleamed. I thought, “I must be Bob’s very best friend.” It was years before I realized: Everyone he met felt the same.
Bob was a big person, to his family, his friends and the pharmaceutical industry he served. From his 6-foot-2 frame, wide smile and endless humour, to the breadth of his generosity, he was a giver of time, energy, wealth, love, wisdom, laughter, even his personal possessions. For me, Bob was a lifeline through college, my first design client, a life-long mentor and terrific storyteller.
Bob’s first job was selling ads for the Quebec City Chronicle-Telegraph. On the road in his vintage ‘55 Chevy, he came across a man driving a stylish new car. Bob asked him what profession afforded him such a vehicle. The man answered, “I’m a pharmaceutical representative,” and Bob saw his future.
First, at Westwood Pharmaceuticals of Belleville, Ont., and Buffalo, N.Y., to TransCanaderm of Montreal, Bob became a top salesman and a familiar figure to dermatologists across the country. As he put in a lot of miles, the company wheels got better and better, but soon it was time to drive something of his own. Bob founded Dermtek Pharmaceuticals in his basement in 1986 with a plan to develop and market original Canada-created skincare products.
Dermatology peers welcomed Bob’s new venture. None more than West Coast physicians, Drs. Stuart Maddin and David I. McLean. They told him about Parsol 1789. The active ingredient is useful against a broad range of sun wavelengths, it was approved in Europe in 1973 but not by the U.S. FDA for another 15 years. Bob took advantage of the lull to formulate Ombrelle, which quickly became a popular Canadian brand.
Bob sold Ombrelle to L’Oreal in 1997. The transaction changed his circumstances, but it didn’t change Bob. His already huge generosity intensified, and he spent more time with family and friends. He made room for son Michel and daughter Marie-Claude at the helm of Dermtek, which prospers as a Canadian, family-run business in a world of multinationals. Meanwhile, with his soul mate, Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, at his side, Bob travelled the world. Then he would reappear, beaming, hand-delivering a wreath at Christmas, Fudgsicles on a hot day or his own homemade Québécois cretons. Bob was never too hurried to pass up a chance to sit down and listen, especially to siblings Michele, Jack, Brenda and Paul.
Bob and Suzanne were married in September, 2016. A few months earlier, he had received the Award of Honour from the Canadian Dermatology Association for “a significant, tangible and enduring contribution to dermatology and the health of Canadians.”
Bob Lavoie’s generous heart gave out before his first wedding anniversary.
Paul Lavoie is Bob’s youngest brother.
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