Accident victim had 'warm smile and generous heart'

A 51-year-old business owner killed in an excavator accident Dec. 28 will be missed for his “warm smile and generous heart,” according to his obituary.

Marc Lafreniere — the owner of Marc Lafreniere Construction — had been operating the machine in a swampy area on a bush trail north of Dominion Drive in Valley East when it flipped over.

Emergency services personnel pulled him from the excavator, but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ministry of Labour is investigating the accident.

“Marc was a devoted and proud family man as well as a dedicated business man,” his obituary said.

“He enjoyed snowmobiling, mud bogging, boating and good times at camp with family and friends. The world is a better place because of his warm smile and generous heart. He was a very special man who will be remembered always.”

Lafreniere is survived by his “best friend and soulmate” Monique, and his children Patrick (Nathalie) and Angel (Dana). He's also a proud granddad to Nicholas and Alyssa.

Funeral visitation takes place at the Lougheed Funeral Home in Hanmer (1805 Michelle Dr.) from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 4 and 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Jan. 5.

A funeral mass takes place at the Notre Dame du Rosaire Church in Blezard Valley at 11 a.m. Jan. 6. with a reception to follow at the Val Caron Golf Club.

The family is asking for donations to the Maison Vale Hospice or Northern Cancer Foundation (Breast Cancer).