A heartwarming tribute to smelter victim, Paul Rochette

Paul was the nicest man you are ever likely to meet. He was so many things: funny, hard working, loving, caring and sensitive.

When Paul walked into a room, he instantly became the centre of attention. His sense of humour and his need to make everyone laugh shone out early in his life, as well as at the end.

Paul was a man who loved the outdoors. His passion for hunting was no secret to all who knew him. Every chance Paul had, he would be out hunting with his chocolate labs, Belle and Bullet. Paul spent many hours training his dogs and his determination bore fruit because they turned out amazing — no big surprise as Paul gave his all to whatever project he took on.

Paul also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, cooking and experimenting, and everything he made turned out delicious.

He also had a passion for wrestling and was very good at it. Starting at a very young age, Paul competed in many tournaments and won many trophies and medals. Any chance he had, he loved to tell us stories or show us what he could do.

As if this was not enough, he also loved playing baseball, golfing and quadding any chance he could.

A jack of all trades, Paul’s time was also spent in his garage fixing things for his friends and family — he would go out of his way to help anyone out. Whether you needed help with a project or simply needed to talk, he was always there.

Paul enjoyed his job and did anything he could to perfect his work. His mentor, and also good friend throughout his career with B & D, was Gilles Grandmaison.

But most of all, Paul was a great father. A great model and a hero to his daughter Isabella, eight years old, and his son Skyler, three years old.

He enjoyed teaching them and showing them everything he could. He spent as much time as he could from wrestling with the kids or snuggling close to watch a movie.

He shared a good friendship with Tiffany Montpellier, the mother of Isabella, and had a unique relationship with me, Jessica Daoust, mother of Skyler.

He was very involved when it came to the upbringing of his children and nothing would keep him from fulfilling his parental obligations.

Paul was taken from us too soon, but his love for life and his memory will live on in his two amazing children. None of us were ready to let him go and we have heavy hearts filled with a great sadness.

Our message to all is to cry, of course, but at the same time be brave and reflect on what Paul meant to us all and be thankful for the time we had with him.

Paul, we will miss you, but you will always be remembered by every life you have touched.