Roger Champagne became President of La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador in the early 1980s at a time when it was in danger of disappearing. Despite all opposition and convinced of the need for Francophone representation on the provincial scale, Champagne was able to ensure the survival of the Fédération.

However, tragedy struck the Champagne family and the Francophone community in 1981 when Roger and his wife died in a car accident. A teacher in Labrador City and a dedicated member of his community, Champagne is deeply missed to this day.

In his memory, the FFTNL created the Roger Champagne Award in 1993. The award is presented annually to a Francophone or Acadian person who has shown involvement in the development of the province's French community.