Jean-Pierre Pigeon sits with his wife Rita Cybulski, both nominees, at a past Pontiac Journal Readers’ Choice Awards gala.
Carl Hager
CAMPBELL’S BAY – After 38 years of service to the Pontiac, Jean-Pierre Pigeon has decided to retire. Although he sold his business to Trepanier and Associates Notaires in 2016, he continued to practice as a notary for over three years, helping to transition the firm. He reassures his clients that their affairs remain in professional hands with the notaries who have taken over his business.
Born on Ile-du-Grand-Calumet, Pigeon attended elementary school there, and after completing high school in Fort-Coulonge attended CEGEP de l’Outaouais for two years. In 1982 he graduated from the University of Laval in Québec City as a notary. He subsequently opened his business in Campbell’s Bay and another office in Mansfield soon after. Over the years, he became a well-known and trusted figure in the community.
Pigeon described how practicing in a rural community differs from the work of notaries in urban areas. Knowing agricultural zoning and real estate rules was a major part of his job compared to urban notaries who need to know more about rules regarding condos and corporations.
Although he just retired, Pigeon already relishes the time he has to do things he has always wanted to do, without rushing on weekends. He often had to work nights and weekends, so the free time is a breath of fresh air, he said.
Pigeon lives with his wife Rita Cybulski, who also recently retired, on the banks of the Ottawa River in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. His retirement plans include more fishing on the Ottawa River from his pontoon boat. He has fond memories of fishing in ZEC Saint Patrice and hopes to rekindle those experiences. He likes to read political books and plans to travel to places like France once the pandemic subsides. He also hopes to plan two or three day getaways to places like Québec City, Mont Tremblant and Montreal.
Acknowledging community support, Pigeon said his success as a notary would not have been possible without the help and dedication of his staff, the patronage and support of his clients and community and his wife who has been supportive and understanding over the years. “My success was enabled by their support and I couldn’t have done it without them,” he concluded.
