The Eastern Ontario hockey community is mourning the loss of Clarence Creek legend Jean-Charles Lavictoire, who passed away on September 24, 2024 at the age of 80.
Mr. Lavictoire will always be remembered as a dedicated volunteer who dedicated his time to the development, growth and support of the Clarence Creek Minor Hockey Association, as well as the support of hockey throughout the Eastern Ontario.
Tributes pour in
Hockey leagues and people across Eastern Ontario paid tribute to Mr. Lavictoire’s legacy by posting messages on their social media platforms.
“Charles’ presence in our hockey community will be greatly missed,” Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) representatives said in a statement released on X. “Our deepest condolences go out to Charles’ family and friends.”
The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EHLJO) echoed HEO’s sentiments.
“It is with deep sadness that the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League acknowledges the passing of Charles Lavictoire, a long-time leader in the hockey sector,” the league said on X after learning the death of Mr. Lavictore.
His funeral took place at the Théo Brunet & Fils funeral home last week, on Thursday October 3.
Find a way to honor his legacy
Roland Saumure, a distant cousin of Lavictoire, hopes Clarence-Rockland council will consider honoring Lavictoire’s importance to the local hockey community by renaming the Clarence Creek Arena the Jean-Charles ‘Charlie’ Lavictoire Arena .
Saumure shared with The Vision a letter he sent to council members, in which he states that “if there is a man who deserves such a tribute, it is him (Lavictoire).”
“He is a man who did a lot of good to the people of his community,” said Mr. Saumure. “Not only did he make them better hockey players and give kids a chance to play hockey, but he also made them better people. He was very involved in his community and he was very respected, not only because he loved hockey, but also because he wanted to help people.
Clarence-Rockland city councilor André J. Lalonde, whose ward includes Clarence Creek, said the small, close-knit community is proud of its roots in hockey, an area on which Lavictoire has had a profound impact.
“He was always present in the arenas and had a great presence, we will miss him,” said Mr. Lalonde.
Lalonde noted that the news of Mr. Lavictoire’s death is very recent and that many people are still mourning his loss. “I don’t think we can make this kind of decision at such a delicate time, but I believe the community will find a way to honor Mr. Lavictoire because of what he meant to the people and the hockey community .
Brine said he understands there is a process for making this kind of decision.
I just wanted to make a suggestion to the council,” he said. “I just wanted to draw their attention to what this man meant to people and I hope they will take this request into consideration.”
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