Alexander and Danika Chenier held tight to their mother Tracy, while clutching their stuffed animals. Tears streamed down their reddened faces as the seven and six-year-old siblings followed behind their father for what would be the last time in their young lives.
Hundreds of grief-stricken people fell into step behind the children and their mother as the casket holding 35-year-old Jason Chenier was wheeled out of the Lougheed Funeral Home in Val Caron toward a waiting hearse.
The funeral home was filled to capacity, with mourners spilling into the hallway and out the door on the morning of June 13.
Chenier was one of two men killed in an accident at Stobie Mine June 8 when a run of muck overtook Chenier and Jordan Fram at the 3,000 foot level.
By the time mine rescuers arrived on the scene, both men were found without vital signs.
While many tears were shed throughout the service, an equal number of laughs were also shared as friends and family remembered Chenier — a 35-year-old man who was a chronic prankster and loved to make people laugh.
Pallbearers load Jason Chenier's body into a hearse following the fallen Vale miner's funeral June 13. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.
“Jason was a wonderful person with an amazing sense of humour,” Chenier's friend, Chris Bamberger said. “He had such a distinct and contagious laugh.”
Rob Des Rivieres, who was Chenier's roommate at college, recalled the pranks Chenier pulled on him on a regular basis.
“Every time I had a shower, he would dump a bucket of cold water on me,” Rob said. “That was his signature thing.”
Chenier's brother-in-law, Dale Racine, told a story of when the two first met. It was on the Little League field, Racine was up to bat and Chenier was taunting him from third base.
“He was yapping at me and getting under my skin,” Racine said. “(So) I hit one right past him and got a double.”
Racine's next time at bat was more of the same, and again, he hit one over Chenier and earned another double.
“Those were my only two hits and the only two runs I scored all season,”
Racine said with a laugh. “Jason brought out the best in me. That's what he does. He brings out the best in people.”
He asked the crowd to close their eyes and think of his “dear friend.”
“When you think of Jason, just imagine his smile, his laugh, a fun moment you had with him,” Racine said. “Those moments will live on forever.”
George Staszak, Chenier's uncle, shared his fondest memories of a nephew he shared a special bond with.
“When he needed advice, he always called me to see what I thought,” Staszak said. “He would jump at the chance to play pick-up hockey when I was the goalie for the other team...It was a relief when he was on my team.”
Staszak described Chenier as “an upbeat, active young man who was skilled in everything he participated in.”
“He always did things to the best of his ability, including sports, school and his profession,” he continued.
While Chenier was most fondly remembered for his sense of humour, those who knew him also described him as safe and careful worker.
“On the job, he prided himself on doing things properly and safely at all times,” Staszak said. “(He'd want you all) to work safely and carefully at your craft, and want all of you to come home safely after every shift.”
Check back to NorthernLife.ca for coverage of 26-year-old Jordan Fram's funeral, which also took place today (June 13). Fram was killed along with Chenier in the mining accident.
-Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen
