Family and friends gathered at Paperman funeral home to remember the life of well-known Quebec sociologist Manny Batshaw.
READ MORE: Leading Quebec sociologist Manny Batshaw dies at 101
Batshaw passed away Monday at the age of 101.
“”He was quiet and yet somehow or rather, he managed to figure out how to get done what he thought he should get done,” said Charles Bronfman.
“He didn’t have the financials to do it, so he found people who did and worked with them to accomplish a heck of a lot.”
He was known for being at the forefront of action and was considered a visionary who fought for children’s rights.
READ MORE: Batshaw breaks ground for new Beaconsfield facility
“If you watch Manny Batshaw talking with children, he talks with the child, not to the child,” said Judy Martin, past president of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres’ board of directors and current board member of the CIUSSS de l’Òuest de-l’Île-de-Montréal.
“He listens, he’s a very, very good listener. It is special because there are not too many like him.”
Over the years, Batshaw was honoured with numerous tributes and awards, including the Order of Quebec, as well as the Order of Canada, and an honorary degree of Doctor of Law by McGill University.
“It was magic to witness his interactions with, and love for, our kids, striking to watch their eyes light up when they realize there really was a Mr. Batshaw and endearing to witness their first meetings with him,” said Martin.
“He acted as their voice, even in the face of adversity. This man had the courage and strength to ensure children’s needs were met, rights were respected and that child welfare work included both parents and families.”
WATCH BELOW: Protecting children in Quebec
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