The LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award is presented to an individual who could ultimately receive each of these awards.
Bernie Ouellet—A Lifelong Leader in Motion
Story prepared by Ashley Foley, Foley Communications & Consulting.
A Legacy Forged Through Service
Some people serve with grand speeches and headlines. Others, like Bernie Ouellet, show up—consistently, compassionately, and without fanfare. For decades, Bernie has been a quiet but powerful force behind countless community initiatives across the Quinte region and beyond. His legacy is woven through Belleville’s social fabric—from boardrooms and business ventures to ballet schools and sports fields.
The Guardian Angel Spirit
In 2021, Bernie was named The Children’s Foundation Guardian Angel—an honour reserved for individuals who go above and beyond to uplift the lives of children. For Bernie, it wasn’t about the attention. It was about the meaning behind it: recognition for a life of service lived with intention and heart.
“Bernie has been quietly supporting so many amazing organizations in our community to help improve the lives of children,” shared The Children’s Foundation Board Chair Sherry Archer at the time. “He’s exactly the kind of person we need to celebrate.”
The gala celebrated not only his visible acts of giving but also the ripple effects of a life spent showing up—quietly, consistently, and always with others in mind.
Leadership Rooted in Integrity
Bernie’s professional career is marked by a strong sense of integrity. In 2014, Bernie was appointed Honorary Colonel of 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton. The honorary role was a natural extension of his leadership, respect for service, and commitment to community.
Earlier in his career, he was often sent to restore order or restructure struggling divisions, but he never lost sight of the people behind the problems. His style was fair, transparent, and human.
When he left a Calgary-based operation after a successful turnaround, the unionized team surprised him with a farewell gift: a pen and pencil set inscribed with a message of respect. The engraving read: To the Eastern Bear who became a very caring Westerner.
That moment has stayed with Bernie ever since.
From Cornwall to Kingston to Belleville
Born and raised in Cornwall, Bernie graduated from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational High School in 1966. He completed one year of Business Administration studies at St. Lawrence College but quickly realized that classroom learning wasn’t the path for him. He relocated to Kingston in search of work and found an opportunity in experimental surgery at Queen’s University—assisting doctors with procedures like heart transplants and angioplasties. While the role was groundbreaking, Bernie knew he didn’t want to pursue further education in medicine. He was ready to find work that could lead to something more.
That next step came with Direct Transportation System. Starting as a night dispatcher, Bernie quickly worked his way through the ranks—first to day dispatch, then into supervision, management, and beyond. It marked the beginning of a 24-year career in transportation that would take him across Canada: Kingston, Valleyfield, Windsor, Montreal, Calgary, Toronto, and finally, Belleville.
Building Business and Finding Home
In 1987, Bernie came to Belleville to help stabilize a transportation operation as Vice-President and General Manager of Canada Transport Group. What was meant to be a temporary posting quickly became more permanent. His wife Helene had family in the region, and Belleville began to feel like home.
By 1991, Bernie’s world of transportation merged with real estate and property development, partnering with Dick Baker and Gerry DiRocco. In 1994, they began operating under the Rentx Group banner—an entity that would grow to support multiple business ventures, including LaPalm Moving Systems.
Through calculated acquisitions and key properties, Bernie has ensured that when original tenants move on, the spaces are not left behind—they’re repositioned and prepared for the next best opportunity. His forward-looking approach supports continuity and growth in local and incoming organizations, reinforcing Belleville’s readiness for investment. His efforts reflect deep understanding and a practical extension of his career in logistics and transportation.
Even now, Bernie regularly visits the office when he’s in Belleville. Under his leadership, LaPalm Moving Systems will celebrate 110 years in 2025 and recently announced an alliance with United Van Lines—an exciting step forward for the long-standing local business.
A Heart for Kids and Community
When Bernie first arrived in Belleville in 1988, he joined the board of the Quinte Ballet School even before his family had relocated and settled in the Friendly City with him. That first step into community service sparked a decades-long commitment to leadership, mentorship, and meaningful contributions.
Bernie’s community impact spans nearly every sector. He served as Chair of the Loyalist College Foundation for more than a decade, Co-Chair of its Capital Campaign and Vice-Chair of the National Air Force Museum of Canada and served as a Director of the YMCA of Belleville.
He also led major campaigns for the United Way of Hastings & Prince Edward, and has maintained more than 30 years of service—with perfect attendance—with the Rotary Club of Belleville. He has supported the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation for years in numerous ways, including donating N95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among his most visible commitments has been supporting The Children’s Foundation. As a regular donor, volunteer, and avid golfer at the annual Play a Round for the Kids tournament, Bernie brings dedication and good humour. His passion for helping children and families is unmistakable and longstanding.
Bernie also spent many years coaching youth soccer. He still fondly recalls the players and families he worked with, and the friendships forged along the way.
Grounded by Family, Driven by Values
At the centre of Bernie’s story is his lifelong partnership with Helene, whom he married in 1970. Together, they raised three daughters—Melissa, LiseAnn, and Suzanne—and are now proud grandparents. Bernie often credits his parents as early role models for community service, but his own legacy is distinct: grounded in humility, driven by quiet leadership, and guided by care for others.
A Quiet Constant in a Changing World
As Belleville honours Bernie Ouellet with the Lifetime Achievement Award, it isn’t just for the many boards he’s served or the businesses he’s helped grow. It’s for how he’s shown up: with integrity, generosity, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right—even when no one’s watching.
Whether walking alongside Wayne Dewe in the YMCA’s 25-kilometre “Blister Brothers” fundraiser or helping ensure a local storefront isn’t left vacant—Bernie is there.
He’s a community constant. A trusted mentor. A humble force. And now, a permanent part of Belleville’s legacy.
“Sometimes you do it because someone has to, and you’re someone,” Bernie said.
“I wasn’t doing it for attention—I just knew it needed doing.”
Timeline: The Legacy of Bernie Ouellet
1966
Graduated from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational High School.
Late 1960s
Completed one year of Business Administration at St. Lawrence College; worked in experimental surgery at Queen’s University.
Early 1970s
Started with Direct Transportation System in Kingston—night dispatch to day operations.
1972–1987
Held management positions in Valleyfield, Windsor, Montreal, Kingston, Calgary, and Toronto. Rose to General Manager, Eastern Area.
1987
Came to Belleville as Vice-President and General Manager of Canada Transport Group.
1988
Joined board of Quinte Ballet School.
1991
Formed real estate/property development partnership with Dick Baker and Gerry DiRocco.
1994
Rentx Group begins operations under Bernie, Dick, and Gerry.
1990s–2000s
Chair, Loyalist College Foundation (10+ years), Co-Chair, Capital Campaign
Vice-Chair, National Air Force Museum of Canada
Chair, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward
Rotary Club of Belleville – 30+ years with perfect attendance
Director, YMCA Belleville
Supporter, YMCA Centre for Life
Youth soccer coach
2007
Named Businessperson of the Year – Quinte Business Achievement Awards
2010s
Ongoing supporter of Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation and The Children’s Foundation
2014
Appointed Honorary Colonel of 8 ACCS, 8 Wing Trenton
2020
Donated N95 masks during COVID-19
2021–2022
Named Guardian Angel by The Children’s Foundation
2025
LaPalm Moving Systems celebrates 110 years; announces partnership with United Van Lines
Presented the Lifetime Achievement Award – Belleville Chamber of Commerce
