Born in Montreal on January 14, 1930, he was the son of Armand Bruneau and Albertine Gadbois. Friar Roger studied at the School of Commercial Trades in Montreal (1962-1963 and 1965-1966); public speaking at the Lasalle Conservatory, Montreal (1975-1976); and philosophy and theology at the Centre Saint-Pierre in Montreal (1975-1976). He held certificates in typography, printing processes, men’s garment manufacturing, and practical psychology.

From 1948 to 1950, he lived mainly in Quebec City at the Couvent des Sacrés-Stigmates, where he held several positions, including cook, laundryman, hairdresser, and shoemaker. After a year in Sherbrooke, he returned to Montreal, where he worked as a chef, first at the Convent of the Resurrection, then at the Convent of St. Joseph, and finally at the Convent of St. Francis in Longueuil.

Friar Roger returned to the St. Joseph Convent in 1958 as a printer, typesetter, and press operator for the Franciscans. He held this position for six years. He then worked there as a laundryman, hairdresser, messenger, liturgical animator, and driver. In 1968, friar Roger was a member of the special committee responsible for choosing the fabric and pattern for the religious habits of the Franciscans of the Province. In 1975, he took an introductory course in pastoral ministry at the Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Center. The following year, he took part in the jubilee trip to Europe.

From 1991 to 1995, he was Secretary of the Holy Land Society in Ottawa. Upon his return to Montreal, he served as Discret and Vicar at the Convent of the Resurrection and sat on the Board of the Rosemont Complex. He resided at the Convent of the Resurrection until his departure for the infirmary at Carrefour Providence.