Serge Beaulieu passed away on December 12, 2004 after 2-1/2 year valiant fight against lung cancer.  For much of that time his quality of life was high, he continued his daily activities, and he asked that no one be told he was sick.  Realizing that it had become a losing battle, during the last two months he told people he was dying but continued to enjoy his life to the very end. 

A TIME TO HONOR AND REMEMBER  A GREAT  HUMAN SPIRIT

Monday, December 12, 2005 is the first anniversary of the death of our beloved Serge Beaulieu, leader of Haiti's Majorite National, broadcaster extraordinaire on Radio Liberte.  It is a time to honor and remember him. 

At a memorial service for Serge in New York, the priest said that when we find someone to love, it is God who knit the bonds that joined us.  We thank God for having given life to Serge Beaulieu, a man who dedicated his life to make things better in his homeland of Haiti, who stood for what is right and just in the world, who helped everyone he could from all walks of life and who was the voice for those who needed a spokesperson to protect and stand up for them.

To all of our Haitian friends and colleagues who have helped us during the past year to preserve what Serge built, we thank you.  You are true patriots to your country and your people.

Today we received a beautiful letter from Sean Baker, a young American man who knew Serge for many years.  We know that these words from the heart convey what many would like to say, and we want to share the thoughts with you in celebration of the life and good works of Serge Beaulieu.

12.10.05

Sondra,

I don't even know where to begin.  It's hard for me to imagine what this past year must have been like for you.  Serge is gone.  I still don't completely accept it.  As I write the words they don't seem real.  It's been one year, and I still haven't mourned him. 

I'm not sure what I want to say in this letter.  I just want you to know that I feel your pain.  I feel your loss.  Serge meant so much to me.  His existence was so alive and so original.  It may sound crazy, but I remember every conversation we had.  I can still hear his words, even from when I was a kid.  The seeds he planted in my mind and heart continue to grow as I realize more and more the importance of the messages he conveyed.  He was the most human person I ever met.  The more I think about him the more I miss him, the more his being gone becomes real.  He was so great.  He was the kind of person that affected just about everyone he came in contact with for the better.  How may people in history have been like that?  He was such an asset, such a resource, such a guide and inspiration to so many people.  He was an example of how to be a kinder, funnier, more compassionate person.  I love him so much, and I feel like I let him down.  I was never there to say goodbye.  Never there to hold his hand or read to him at the end.  I know he didn't feel that way, it's just something I need to get out.

He meant so much to me, and I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in your grief.

Love,
Sean

TRIBUTES AND CONDOLENCES

Bouboule was like a father to me. He gave me advice all the time.

After 1986, Serge Beaulieu, was the only one who said that we can't destroy the country, we have to pull ourselves together and rebuild the country.  I don't think we're ever going to have anybody like him again in Haiti.

       A colleague

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Dear Sondra,  

I was so sad to learn of the untimely passing of your husband, Serge. I remember your telling me of all the wonderful things that he had accomplished. It is truly a shame that the flame of such a wonderful spirit was extinguished so soon. I am sure that Serge’s life and enthusiasm touched not only those whose lives he touched in Haiti but also those who worked with him in his endeavors. I hope that memories of good times spent together sustain you through your grief.  

Best wishes,
Laura

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Sondra,

I am so sorry for your loss. But I know you made your husband’s last months and days easier by being by his side.

Adrienne Freeman

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A tree has been planted in memory of Serge Beaulieu. May this serve as a living tribute to his memory.  

Noam Marans

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Dearest Sondra,  

Serge and I had a very special connection. I will miss him very much. The beauty of those who were dear to us moving on is that we make them part of us here and now. I will think of Serge while I journey around the world with a smile.  

All my love,
Don Goldberg    

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Dear Sondra,  

I will remember your beloved husband with a gift to a local Haitian advocacy organization.  

Bill Gralnick
Boca Raton , Florida

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Dear Sondra,  

Please accept my condolences on the death of Serge. I understand that he was a very special man who fought a valiant fight. I know he will be greatly missed.  

I hope you are able to find strength and healing in your warm and wonderful memories.  

Warm regards,
Saundra Mandel

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Dear Sondra,  

Thank you for your very kind and considerate note regarding Serge. I know that Serge and you, too, went through a lot. You both were courageous inspirations to me. He was a lovely man, and I am saddened.  

My sincere condolences.  Words seem useless.  

Sincerely yours,  

James S. Schutz, M.D.

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Dear Sondie,  

No matter how much you prepare, no one is ever ready for the finale, It is always hard losing a loved one. Yet Serge, the fighter, gave you the beautiful gift of saying good-bye and with dignity. I know you will always carry him with you everywhere you go, and his legacy will be a part of you. I’m sure already you have many projects to be involved in and will remain connected to his dreams and stirrings. I’m glad I spent some special time with him before he left us. How fortunate you were that he was lucid till the very end. This is a real blessing.  

Janice

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Dear Mrs. Beaulieu,  

I was so sad to hear the news of the passing of Serge. He was a wonderful person, and I feel for your loss. I don’t know what else to say except you’re in my thoughts.  

Fondly,

Anne

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Serge was very courageous…. His memory will live on, may his soul rest in peace.  I will share your letter with my staff—it is more poetry than a letter. 

In deepest sympathy,  

Elliot J. Rayfield, MD

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January 30, 2005  

Dear Sondra,  

It is with the deepest sadness that Suzanne and I heard of the death of Serge.  He was not just a patient, but also a dear friend.  From the moment of his diagnosis we knew, and Serge knew, that his prognosis was not good.  Serge fought a losing battle, but he fought with everything he could.  He lost his battle with cancer, but his life was a triumph.  Diplomat, businessman, husband, father, he was successful at everything else, a model for us all.  Serge was intelligent and generous with his intellect and with his time.  I know he was intelligent, because he liked my writing and kept everything that I wrote.  

We were honored to have Serge and you at Marisa’s wedding and glad that both of you had a good time.  

I have spoken to some of the people who knew him from the hospital.  Even in the most difficult time of his life, he touched them.  They felt better for having known him.  They were saddened by his death.  

Serge Beaulieu was a true Renaissance man.  Serge was a true friend.  

Serge will be missed.  

Sincerely,
Dr. Everett M. Lautin
Dr. Suzanne Levine

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Serge was very courageous…. His memory will live on, may his soul rest in peace.  I will share your letter with my staff—it is more poetry than a letter. 

In deepest sympathy,  

Elliot J. Rayfield, MD

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Dear Sondra,
We just wanted to say how sorry we were about Serge’s death. He was such a wonderful person and a real inspiration to all.  I’m so happy Stacey and Pierre ’s baby will continue with his middle name.  

Much love,  
Carol and Bryan Leyton

It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know that our beloved colleague, Serge Beaulieu, passed away. Serge, the bureau chief of Caribbean Network System,was a respected member of the FPA for more than 40 years. Our sincere condolences to Sondra.

       Foreign Press Association News
       "Chronicle" column by Suzanne Adams
       January 2005 Edition

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HAÏTI A PERDU UN GRAND HOMME. 

Député  serge BEAULIEU, celui dont la majorité nationale admire le  bon coeur et les bonnes manières,celui qui était le bouboule de tout le monde ,le grand rassembleur,président du parti authentique national,député de la 44e legislature candidat au senat pour le departement de l'oeust pdg de la grande station de radio LIBERTÉ  est aujourd'hui parti pour un autre monde, les grands hommes ne meurent pas,c'est vrai que bouboule n'est pas mort,il disparait.Bouboule nous a tout simplement précédés.Il aime tellement  se mettre au service des autres ,bon négociateur.Il est allé négocier un  autre con-trat social pour la majorité nationale d'HAÏTI et pour le monde pourquoi pas.

Je partage très sincèrement la douleure de cette perte et envoie mes sincères condoléances a sa courageuse famille, spécialement a sa femme,   "Sondra"

 [English Translation]

HAITI HAS LOST A GREAT MAN

Congressman Serge Beaulieu, admired by the Haitian people for his good heart and fine ways, known as “Bouboule” by everyone, the great bringer-together, president of the Parti Authentique National (PAN), deputy in the 44th legislature, candidate for the Senate for the Department of the West, director-general of the great station Radio Liberté, has left for another world.  Great men don’t die.  It’s true that Bouboule isn’t dead—he has left.  Bouboule has simply gone before us.  He so much loved to be at the service of others, good mediator.  He is going to negotiate a new social contract for the national majority of Haiti and for the world—why not?

    I share most sincerely the pain of this loss and send my sincere condolences to his courageous family, especially to his wife, Sondra.

                    ARISTYL Cambronne
                    January 10, 2005

Serge Beaulieu"Bouboule"
                              11 Mars 1938- 12 Décembre 2004

New York. Serge Beaulieu, ami d'enfance des proches de sa génération, nous a laissé, suite à un cancer du poumon qu'il a vaillamment combattu pendant 30 mois à New York. Durant les deux derniers mois, réalisant la bataille perdue,à ses proches amis, il confia la fin proche de ses jours, mais continua sa vie d'allégresse jusqu'à sa dernière heure. Serge a sa place dans le monde artistique comme acteur de grand talent à La Société Nationale d'Art Dramatique, (la SNAD), à l'Institut Français et au Conservatoire d'Art Dramatique. A radio Caraïbes, il a laissé ses empreintes d'Annonceur et d'Editeur. Aux Nations Unies à New York, il s'est fait bien remarqué comme Journaliste, Correspondant en Chef de CNS News, Caribbean Network Systems, avec sa présence et ses questions sur l'actualité mondiale. Sur les ondes de sa station, Radio Liberté, à Port-au-Prince, Serge enleva le sommeil à ses milliers d'auditeurs assidus, à l'occasion de ses analyses politiques.
Sur les ondes de Radyo Pa Nou de Brooklyn, on pouvait l’entendre chaque Dimanche matin comme invité spécial faisant valoir ses connaissances de  la politique troublée d’Haiti.

 Et pour son goût exquis des lettres et des grands écrivains, en sa mémoire on doit répéter brièvement ces lignes qu'il aima exclamer:

 "Si vous pouvez être amant sans être fou d'amour, 
   Si vous pouvez être fort sans cesser d'être tendre, 
    Et, se sentant haï, sans hair à votre tour, pouvant lutter et vous défendre;
     Si vous pouvez supporter vos paroles travesties par des gueux pour exciter des sots,
       Et d'entendre mentir sur vous leurs bouches folles sans mentir vous-même d'un mot; 
        Si vous pouvez rester digne tout en étant populaire, 
         Si vous pouvez rester peuple en conseillant les rois, 
          Et si vous pouvez aimer tous vos amis en frères, sans qu'aucun d'eux soit tout pour vous ;   
            Alors les Rois les Dieux la Chance et la Victoire seront à tout jamais vos esclaves soumis,
             Et, ce qui vaut bien mieux que les Rois et la Gloire, Vous serez un homme".

From New York, with condolences to the family and friends of Serge Beaulieu:

Serge Beaulieu, a childhood friend of those close to his generation, has left us, after valiantly battling lung cancer during 30 months in New York.  During the last two months, realizing that he was losing the battle, he confided to his close friends that the end was near, but nevertheless he continued his life with an attitude of cheerfulness right up to the last hour.  Serge has secured his place in the artistic world as an actor of great talent at the National Society of Dramatic Arts (la SNAD), at The French Institute and at the Dramatic Arts Conservatory. On Caribbean Radio, he left his mark as broadcaster and editor. At the United Nations in New York, he was a well respected journalist--Chief Correspondent for CNS News, Caribbean Network System--by his presence and his questions concerning current world events.  On Radio Liberte in Port -au-Prince, Serge stirred thousands of hardworking listeners from sleep with his astute political analysis. On Radio Pa Nou in Brooklyn, NY, he could be heard every Sunday morning as a special guest who commanded respect for his knowledge of the troubling political situation in Haiti.

He had excellent taste in literature and enjoyed the great writers, and he often read excerpts on the air to stimulate our thoughts and give us comfort in troubling times.

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Dec. 28, 2004

Serge was a nice man.  He was always willing to help anybody.

Abdellatif Kabbaj
Chief, Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit
United Nations

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Serge had so much to offer to so many, and I know his hope was that the Haitian people would realize the love that he had in his heart for them and his sincere desire for peace and unity for his homeland. Every hour of every day he would do, think, and talk about what to do and how to make the lives of everyone—Haitians, family, and friends—better and more productive. 

A man like Serge comes along once in a lifetime, and we were all privileged to know him.  Serge made such an impact on so many lives and I know will continue to do so for generations to come—his words and spirit will live on.

Linda Baker

General Manager, Radio Liberté

He saw a chance to do something for his country, and he did his best.
             A friend

He died the way he lived--with dignity, and he fought to the end.
             An admirer

He was no pale shadow on the human landscape.  There's something pretty fantastic about that.
             Stephen Steinlight

Dear Sondra,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved husband, Serge. I hope you find comfort in the attitude he had and the life he led. It takes a strong person to fight a losing battle with such a wonderful outlook.

I wish you and your family a year of nothing but joy and happiness.

             Susie Baumohl

Serge was always a gentleman and a pleasure to know.
             Dawn Maloney

Dear Sondra,

       I am sure that your husband truly appreciated your love and support as he went through his long and final trial. I hope your memories help you through the difficult times ahead.
             Lynn Kroll

In fond memory, Eveline Dalencour wearing the beret Bouboule gave her.

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Janice Hyman-Wolpo

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"IF" 
By Rudyard Kipling 

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

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"Kindness in words creates confidence. 
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. 
Kindness in giving creates love." - Tao Te Ching
Artist - Unknown

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AFRICA AND THE NGOs—ANOTHER LOOK AT THE LEGACY OF KOFI ANNAN

By Serge Beaulieu
UN Bureau Chief

New York, December 4, 2004 (CNS NEWS)
We knew it was going to happen, but we did not know that it was going to be so early nor that the career of Kofi Annan was going to be slashed at with such fury. From the man who saved the world from uncertainty in Iraq, when we all applauded his efforts, we have watched him evolve from a shy bureaucrat into a sharp diplomat on the world scene.

He reorganized the United Nations, opening the UN to the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), fulfilling their dreams of participation.

Everybody got something. The Africans fought him, and he fought back by creating African development missions in every village to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Two months ago in one of my stories I asked Kofi Annan to create his own legacy by defining his own mission. I suggested that his legacy would not be as a super Kofi Annan for the West. He needs to retrieve his unique vision and individual identity and keep his focus on his own continent of Africa, where so many are dying from war, disease, and poverty.