A young man from Berthierville became an adoring fan of Gilles Villeneuve. After his hero’s death he began to organize a museum for Gilles. Today, Alain Bellehumeur is the curator of that museum.
When did you catch the Villeneuve fever?
My first job was a journalist. Barely out of school, I was in charge for covering sports in Berthierville and the region. That was in 1978. Gilles had just won his first Grand Prix in Montreal. I was attracted by the talent and personality of Gilles. He was the little guy from Berthier and by his own talent he realized his wildest dream: to be driving for Scuderia Ferrari. Gilles was therefore an example of perseverance and tenacity for us all.
Being a Berthierviller was your everyday life "infected" by Gilles?
People from Berthierville followed the exploits of Gilles in F1. But it was a different time. Without internet. The Grand Prix was not broadcast live on TV. We listened to the radio reports. Through Gilles, we discovered Formula 1.
How was Gilles seen in his home town?
Gilles had always remained close to his old friends and often came to Berthierville. Despite his superstar position, he remained simple. When he had time to come home he’d phone his friends and they’d treck through the sandpits of the region. Each of them, including Gilles, took turns at the wheel of their modified truck. I think Gilles appreciated his escapades in Berthier’s outback. It was probably a way to keep feet on the ground, to know his roots and to live a few hours without the stress of F1.
What did you do when you heard the news of his death?
I received a phone call early in the morning. A Montreal journalist told me of the accident in Zolder. He told me: “This is serious. I would like to meet you in Berthierville.” An hour later, this reporter and a photographer arrived at my home. Upon their arrival, I was listening to special reports on the radio. Finally, the bad news was confirmed. I could not believe it. Gilles had survived several accidents in races. But not this time...
What was a general mood in Berthierville after losing their darling son?
Berthierville was in shock. People were struggling to believe it. If F1 had lost its most spectacular driver, Berthierville had lost its most famous son. Gilles’ close friends were dazed. Everyone, even if they were not racing fans, were sad. The whole of Berthierville mourned their champion.
Do you have memories of the funeral?
I remember it very well. I took part in the volunteer committee established by the city to organize the ultimate tour of Gilles in Berthierville. Thousands of people viewed Gilles’ remains at the cultural center. There were thousands along the street to greet their champion when his coffin was moved from the cultural center to Berthierville’s cathedral. I remember Jody Scheckter was there to represent Ferrari in the small office of the manager of the cultural center. He discussing the funeral arrangements by phone with Enzo Ferrari who was too distressed by the death of Gilles to make the trip to Canada. At the church, the coffin was covered with a checkered flag. Everyone present knew they were living in a page of our history. Many wept, especially when Gilles was brought out of the church. Thousands of people had invaded Berthierville...a quiet town of about 5000 people...that day, the people of Berthierville really understood the incredible popularity and the global reach of their fallen son.
What kind of connection did you have with Gilles' parents and his brother Jacques, and also Joanna and the children?
Upon the death of Gilles, I was a journalist in Berthierville. I knew Gilles’ parents, Georgette and Seville quite well. We often talked. In 1981, they helped me present an exhibition in tribute to the Villeneuve brothers, Gilles and Jacques. Mr. Villeneuve was the honorary chairman of this exhibition. This was Gilles last visit to Berthierville. It was in September 1981. He died on May 8th the following spring. The museum is also very close to his brother Jacques. He lent us many collectibles. He is also our chief instructor for the karting camps offered by the museum. Gilles’s wife, Joanna, also lent several trophies and other memorabilia from Gilles’ career at the opening of the museum, which was 25 years ago. Melanie and Jacques, Gilles children, have participated in various activities organized by the museum over the years. Jacques even met us a few times in his Montreal restaurant for some of our fundraisers.
When came the idea of the Museum?
Following the death of Gilles, the volunteers who organized the funeral realized the magnitude of Gilles popularity. The impact of his death affected the entire planet. The shockwave was powerful. We knew we must do something to keep his memory alive. There was the birth of the Berthier-Villeneuve committee, a group of volunteers, in 1983. A park was named Gilles-Villeneuve in Berthierville, in 1984. In the center of the park, a symbolic podium was erected. A bronze statue, life-sized, was added to the top step of the podium in 1985. Gilles had come home! A museum first opened its doors in 1988. Finally, in 1994, the current museum, located near the major highway through Berthierville, welcomed its first visitors. Since then, every year, people from over thirty countries stop in Berthierville to remember Gilles Villeneuve and his exploits. Over the years, nearly 300,000 visitors have passed through the doors of the museum.
Can you tell about me about operating the museum?
For a museum located in our region, welcoming so many visitors year after year remains a challenge. We are pleased to have contributed to keeping alive the memory of Gilles Villeneuve. Our mission remains: to perpetuate the memory of Gilles Villeneuve over the years and generations. We have worked with passion for over 25 years. The Gilles Villeneuve Museum is simple and intense, like Gilles. The passion that drives all the little museum team is like the one that inspired Gilles Villeneuve at the wheel of his cars. Intense and strong!
What are the main goals for the future? What is your main task as director?
The future? The Gilles-Villeneuve museum has added karting to its website. We will use electric karts since the museum is located in the heart of Berthierville. This addition will be a wonderful complement to a visit to the museum. The project is large. We are looking for partners. Notice to enthusiasts racing Investors!
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