Manitouwadge mourns

Written by admin on 19 February 2010

Sobering reminder of life taken too soon

by Karina Hunter

The billboard in Manitouwadge’s traffic circle, featuring the photos of three teens Caitlin Jelley (15), Steven Philippe (16) and Jazmine Houle (15) who were tragically killed when struck down by a drunk driver in Hanmer (Sudbury) June 21^st, 2009, was adorned today (February 19^th) with balloons and ‘Happy Birthday’ banners under the photos of Steven Philippe who would have been celebrating his 17^th Birthday. His family (and those of his friends Caitlin Jelley and Jazmine Houle who also lost their lives in the tragedy) made the brave decision to approve the billboards, two in Manitouwadge where Steven and his family lived for many years and eleven others in Valley East, Capreol and Sudbury, where all three families reside and see the signs regularly, that no other families might have to loose loved ones because of drunk driving. Steven’s death continues to be mourned by the many people in this small community who loved him; at Manitouwadge High School, a memorial was erected today, photos of Steven, a candle and flowers accompanied a card which many signed remembering their friend and teammate with Birthday wishes and loving messages. On his Facebook Wall, additional promulgations of friendship and love, reminders that his
memory lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have shared in his life.

The sign was designed by Eva Lanctot Realty, a Hanmer based business. Lanctot who footed the cost of installation of the thirteen signs told writer Harold Carmicheal of The Sudbury Star that “I want to make sure everybody sees them…Take a taxi. Take a bus. It’s (drinking and driving) not worthwhile”. Among Lanctot’s reasons for doing the sign campaign was her personal connection to the Houle and Philippe families; she worked with Houle’s mother 30 years ago and had met Steven when he was with his brother shopping for houses.

The signs were installed in Manitouwadge because Steven had made such an impression during the years his family resided here; he was well known as a friend to anyone having had, even briefly, the good fortune to make his acquaintance. Philippe was well liked, and loved by many close friends, because of his easy going nature and kind demeanor, his soft spoken and polite disposition, his great sense of humour, his incredible work ethic, his sportsmanship and athletic ability, and many other endearing qualities.

The billboards include the messages DRINKING + DRIVING = LOOSING, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and YOUR CHILD? and are intended to encourage responsibility in regards to alcohol consumption reminding people to plan for arriving safely to and from their destinations. Steven’s mother, Jocelyne Philippe,
used the opportunity when the signs were erected in Manitouwadge to caution other parents that even if they drive sober, others may not, “We never thought something like this could happen to us, it was [Steven’s] first time walking, he always had a ride, if not from myself or his father then from his sister of brother” she added “It just took that one time, one irresponsible driver who chose to get in his car after drinking and three innocent children lost their lives in the blink of an eye”. Phillipe hopes that the sign will encourage people to think twice before getting behind the wheel “People need to plan ahead about how they’ll be getting
home from parties because driving themselves is NOT an option” she added “the myth that it’s just a couple beers is why innocent lives are lost and families are destroyed, that is why we agreed to the use of Steven’s photo and name on the billboards”.

Phillipe and the other parents who lost their children in this tragic accident have paid a very high price for the education of those who see these signs, and bravely choose to leave them in place, LET IT NOT BE IN VAIN; please remember before having a drink to have a plan, make arrangements for a designated driver, call a cab or stay the night and if you suspect someone is driving under the influence call 911 (YOUR loved
one could be around the next corner they turn), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) or your local police department – you could be saving a life!