Laurent Monette

[seanerster]

Hi everyone,
It's been a long time since I've been on the board and I hate to have to return under these circumstances but I have been asked by Patricia, Laurent Monette's longtime girlfriend to let people know what has happened as a lot of you knew him quite well.
For the past year Laurent has been battling cancer. It started in his tongue but over the course of the year it continued to spread and show up in different places in his body. He underwent many treatments and some hellacious surgery to try to beat this awful disease. This past fall we found out that the cancer had returned in a very aggressive form again in his tongue and also his lymph nodes and lungs. The doctors gave him an unfavorable prognosis and he faced that down with a lot of bravery and courage and Laurent was determined to fight this disease and prove them wrong.
Since the fall his condition continued to decline and about 3 weeks ago Laurent was admitted to the hospital as he had contracted pneumonia. This past week Laurent took a turn for the worst and was moved into palliative care. I got to sit with him a couple times this week, even as recently yesterday. It is my very sad duty to tell everyone that Laurent passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by loved ones.
I have counted Laurent among my closest friends and will miss him dearly. He was a larger than life character and will leave a large whole in many people's lives. One of his loves was this hobby of sports cards and he loved his bi-annual trips to Toronto where he got to spend time with a lot of you. He loved wheeling and dealing and the challenge of coming out ahead on every deal he made, well at least he felt he did. Even as he was terribly ill he made a point of going to the Toronto show this past fall. I begged him not to go because I thought he wasn't strong enough but he knew what was coming and told me he had to go because it may have been his last chance to say goodbye to some friends and he was right.
So please take a moment, those of you who knew him, to remember him. Whether he made you laugh, made you angry, got the better of you in a deal, he thought of all his "card buddies" very fondly. Please keep his memory in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for reading this,
Sean Sandler

[RGM81]

Very sad to hear this news of the passing of a long-time collector and friend to many.

[doniceage]

Thanks for sharing your tribute to a good friend.

Don

[Mack26]

Pardon me for what I am about to say.... **** Cancer. I have been thinking about Laurent for the past month. Should have figured out a way to talk to him. I will miss him. He was an intimidating looking guy but truly a heart of gold. His kindness towards me, has and will always be cherished. I learned so much about this hobby from being him and Messiah just for part of day. Really wish I would have got to know him better. Sean please pass my condolences on.

RIP my friend

[30ranfordfan]

Awful to read about this, but thank you for sharing it. My condolences to his family and friends.

[seanerster]

I was asked to post the funeral details for anyone who might be able or want to attend.

March 28 / 1 To 5 pm
After ceremony And Buffet
6825, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal (Québec) H1N 1C7
Téléphone : (514) 727-2847
http://www.magnuspoirier.com