Roland Pigeon was born November 8, 1911 in the village of Verchères, Quebec, and drew the inspiration that marked his life from the strong roots of rural Quebec.

Mr. Pigeon was a dairy farmer, the owner of a fine herd of quality Ayrshire cattle. He served as a board member and president of the Quebec Ayrshire Breeders’ Association and the Canadian Ayrshire Breeders’ Association.

He also was a judge for the breed at the main Canadian exhibitions, including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

As a board member and president of the Coopérative des Producteurs de Lait de Montréal and board member and president of the Dairy Farmers of Canada, Roland Pigeon expressed his commitment to the dairy industry in Quebec and in Canada.

Roland Pigeon’s concern for agriculture was not confined to the dairy industry. He belonged to many associations - local, provincial, national and international. He was a board member and president of the Coopérative Fédérée de Québec; board member and vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture; and president of the status and membership committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers.

Mr. Pigeon was awarded many honours in recognition of his services to his community. He was a Commandeur de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, Commandeur de l’Ordre du Mérite Coopératif, 4e degre and Commandeur de l’Ordre du Canada.