Matthew Lamarre : a final tribute in June
About 15 people gathered in memory of Matthew Lamarre in Châteauguay. (Photo : Courtesy)
The family and friends of Matthew Lamarre, who died suddenly in a tragic accident on April 21 in Châteauguay, have announced in an obituary that a funeral service will be held in his honor on June 21 at the Complexe funéraire Yves Légaré de Châteauguay.
Translation Amanda Bennett
“ Matthew lived with dignity on his own terms and was an inspiration to all who knew him that your life circumstance does not determine who you are, but how you treat others," his loved ones said in the obituary.
Mr. Lamarre was known, among other things, for having lived on the streets for several years and for being a familiar face on D'Anjou Boulevard near the Regional Center and Tim Hortons restaurant. It was there that he was fatally struck. "Life circumstances and a lack of subsidized housing left Matthew living on the streets during the last several years. However, he touched many souls in Chateauguay with his friendly smile and warm heart," wrote his family. They also mentioned that the 58-year-old had suffered from mental illness since adulthood, which was a great challenge for him. “His parents supported him as much as he would allow, and with the help of La Maison Sous les Arbres, mental health services.”
Matthew Lamarre. (Photo :Le Soleil - Valérie Lessard)
Matthew grew up in Châteauguay and graduated from Howard S Billings High School. He was known as an “intelligent, independent, self-reliant, and resilient” person. “He liked his solitude, going for long walks, sitting by the Chateauguay River, cooking, watching movies, and cheering for the Canadiens.”
His loved ones thank the Châteauguay Police Department for “outreach efforts to offer Matthew services.” In lieu of flowers, they suggest making a donation to La Maison sous les arbres crisis intervention and suicide prevention center in Châteauguay.
Visitation in memory of Matthew Lamarre will take place on June 21 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Yves Légaré funeral home in Châteauguay.
On April 27, about 15 people gathered with candles near the small makeshift memorial in front of the Regional Center in memory of Matthew Lamarre.
