There are so many memories of JC but this one always stands out in my mind. we were up at Boundary lodge, a lovely cabin in the woods on the river, JC had been guiding on the river all day and I was cooking away as usual inside. He came up to the lodge in the late afternoon and popped his head in the riverside door that opens into the kitchen. He didn't want to come in as he had his waders on and so stood in the doorway chatting with me for awhile. The kitchen is quite small and the island counter where I often place things fresh out of oven is in arms reach of the door. There was a tray of biscuits there on the counter. I had my back to JC as I continued working, we chatted and some time went by and I suddenly noticed that I could tell he was chomping away on something. I turned and he was happily munching away on the crispy little biscuits."JC are you eating those biscuits?"..."Ya"he said.."Those are dog biscuits I just baked for Mouse!(my dog)they're chicken and rice dog cookies!"and his reply ..."well,Dey're really good!" My homemade dog biscuits have forever since been called JC biscuits

DATELINE: Canmore, Alberta

I believe that the first time I met J.C. was in 1981 when we both started work as ski-patrollers at the Skiing Louise Lift Co. I remember that during the ice-breaking exercise where each of us was asked to tell a humourous story J.C.'s story ended with the punch line "Well I didn't think that was so bad for a priest in a small town with no car!". During the following three winters I often heard J.C. announce: "Hey McGowan! I got the camera, you take the jump." I assume that there is a collection of photographs showing me sprawled on a snow slope with my gear scattered hither and yon.
During the same period J.C. and I went on our first Roger Pass ski trip. We stayed at the Wheeler Hut. Our one trip was to ascend Abbott Ridge. We set off equipped with Kazama Mountain High skis and X-C wax and proceeded to side-step virtually the entire way up to the tree line (snow-study plot area). My calcified memory banks have only a few flashes of the ascent and descent but enjoyment was the central theme.
In the late 1980's, while I was living in Roger Pass, he and I did a delightful variation of the "Three Pass Trip". We cross Bruins Pass and descended unknown terrain to us down to Ursus Creek. There we dug in under a large spruce tree (we had not brought a tent) and spent a delightful night "howling at the moon". The next day it was up the creek and over Bostock Pass and out Bostock Creek to the TransCanada Highway. We had a grand time it goes without saying.
I will miss J.C. and find the world a poor place without him. He was a true comrade to adventure with.

I met JC about 20 years ago. We used to ski tour and hike together in those days with his partner and the time, Joyce and my partner at the time, Bernard. JC was working through his ACMG courses and Bernard would coach his route-finding and trail-breaking. I'll never forget the day that JC came over to announce that he'd passed all of his courses and was now a full mountain guide. He was so proud to tell Bernard "never again will you tell me what to do!".
JC helped us to paint our house back then. I remember him teaching me how to paint the trim without leaving a mess on the windows. He was very skilled with a paintbrush. Lately I've been doing some painting around the house and whenever I'm doing trim I hear JC's gentle coaching. Thanks for that JC! I'm still in shock that you're gone.

I met JC in a hotel parking lot in Missoula, Montana. We spent the next week in the backcountry together rafting the Salmon River in Idaho. We were camping on sandy beaches every night, eating like kings, rafting fun rapids and enjoying each other's company, perhaps while enjoying a few cold beverages in the late afternoons. I think I put the fly on my tent twice during the entire trip. It was pure awesomeness.

The first night we camped JC decided he would sleep on the back of his boat. Somehow during the night he rolled over and fell in the water, and the next morning he found his pillow floating by the neighbour's boat. I knew right there and then that the week would be entertaining. Later on the trip he kept making toad noises at me, because he was trying to convince me that there was one next to my tent. I still don't know whether he was joking or not.

What really amazed me about JC was his love for Lise. The look in his eyes when he looked at her was very telling. The day before he passed Lise was paddling around in the inflatable kayak; she was having the time of her life, tackling some small wave trains and doing great at it. Both JC and her were just glowing.

I've been living in western Canada for seven years, and JC is the first real French-Canadian mountain man I've ever met. Mountain people have something special about them, something epic and larger than life, which resembles their environment I guess. JC was for me the living proof that little French-Canadians who move to the mountains do eventually grow big, and become great mountain people, too. Silly little dance moves and French goofiness included. JC made me understand that I belong here, just like he did.

It's the mountains that bring us out here, but it's the people we meet that make us stay. I feel blessed I had the chance to meet JC.

In JC's memory I will continue to dance a little silly, laugh a lot, be loving and kind, and never cease to be amazed by what nature has in store. I will take the time to appreciate the small things, and be grateful for what I have, every day.

And, I will wear my best Hawaiian attire on Friday. Because I can.

Ribbit.

Christine Nadon
Jasper, Alberta

JC was my friend, housemate ( before Lise ), climbing and skiing partner for many years. A better, more loyal, more solid person I can’t imagine. I always felt more at ease with JC at the other end of the rope, watching my back. And he was always great company.

There are numerous stories and anecdotes but one in particular that I need to relate before the memorial. One night, quite a number of years ago, JC was home on days off from ski guiding and we were just hanging out drinking a few beers ( OK maybe quite a few beers ) and just catching up with each others lives. I’m not sure how, but the talk turned to funerals and somehow we ended up promising each other that whichever of us survived the other, we would wear a nice bright Hawaiian shirt to the others funeral/memorial just to brighten things up a little. I intend to keep that promise. I would like to invite anyone who feels so inclined, to join me in this colorful tribute to a very colorful character. I know he would appreciate it. RIP JC. I’m going to miss you.

In the spirit of JC.
“And when he died, even those who had never shed a tear before cried.” ~ Pema

It seems I wouldn’t have very much to say since I only spent seconds of a lifetime with JC, but his infectious smile, sparkling eyes, and the droplets of wisdom he taught me are inexhaustible treasures.

While it is immensely sad to accept that he is no longer with us, I can’t help but think of what he was doing, who he was with, and where he was, when he left us. He was white-water rafting. He was with Lise. He was outside on the lovely Salmon River.
Therein lies the silver-lined blessing. Therein lies the wisdom he left us.
Life can be short. Do what you love, with the ones you love, in places where your spirit is most refreshed and rejuvenated.
May we all continue to hold JC in spirit, in our hearts, and pass on to others his infectious love of life. This is how we can keep his spirit alive. This is how we can continue to honor and celebrate his life.
There is now a very bright star in the night sky.

I am Lise's stepmother, and had the great pleasure of meeting JC when she and JC came to visit me in Seattle last year. Oh, how pleased I was to meet him and see the great relationship between the two of them. I loved his smile and felt I had known him forever. A life short lived but will long be remembered.

JC was a great friend of Jim and me. We had the chance to enjoy his company on many occasions and share many meals together especially while JC, and Jim (and Phil) were roommates on 5th street, a few years ago already.... Among many qualities, JC was a very good cook, in particular for the french canadian food, such as the "ragout the boulettes".

It is JC who introduced me to Jim, my partner of 14 years now. In 1999, while I was on a ski vacations, JC and I planned to have a ski day together at Lake Louise and he brought Jim along. I was never able to find out from JC if he had arranged for Jim and me to meet at
the ski hill. It was his secret.

Thanks JC, we are missing you,

Helene

A tribute to Jean-Claude Trepanier

We met in June 1979 at the Longue Pointe Army base in Montreal where we were gathered for transport to work at the Banff National Army Cadet Camp as civilian mountaineering instructors. JC was already a senior having at least worked there one summer before we joined.

The SMILE, his trademark gorgeous broad and authentic smile is the first thing.

I remember, throwing the Frisbee to kill time as transport was organized to Edmonton and finally to our barracks in front of Cascade Falls (near the old traffic circle and airport). We worked together for four summers.

Very soon he got to be know by the nickname "The French Poodle" because of his great dense mane of sunny curls. So many stories of young guys and gals having a great time in the Rockies, climbing as much as possible, dancing in Banff and teaming up to play tricks on other camp staff.

FUN would be his second trademark to me.

The 25 persons mountaineering staff, affectionately known as the "Rock Apes"�, had a way with Authority; "if you can't join them coerce them"�, not on a grand scale or by illicit means, but each year we would buy 26 units of a team building item, same Vuarnet glasses or Demetre guide sweater and ceremoniously hand in the 26th unit to the Camp Colonel. So when it came time to have illegal water fights against the 20 watermanship staff "Water Rats" or real army Officers after the cadet training was over and cadets had gone home, we got off easy... and always won our "middle of the night pump tank raids"�. Not that retaliation was not tempted, but made impossible by locking ourselves in by nailing doors and windows shut...

The first picture is JC alongside Deso the "Godfather"� all dressed up prior to the most official event of each summer, the Officers diner. The ones that did not own a tie, made due with 1-inch wide climbing webbing.

The second picture... is a bit long to explain. JC was sworn in as a Zulu warrior during 1981 cadet camp training on Commander glacier, where the "initiation rite" was to eat a whole pineapple, with the skin but not the leaves ;-). You had to be there, but to me it illustrates well how much clean and healthy fun can be had with good imagination alone.

ENDURING FRIENDSHIP

Last time we spent considerable time together was in 1986 while we were both recovering from broken bones in Quebec, riding mountain bikes on the local hills as physiotherapy, and enjoying a few days of summer with some of our travelling friends from Cadet Camp. I had broken both tib and fib, slipping on ice while running to take the grocery out of my dad's car at New Year... while JC never quite figured out how he broke his ankle, since he woke up with a broken ankle after a good end of season party in Verbier where he had been skiing and making fine ski photography. Fearing the high cost of medical bills in Switzerland, he took the next plane to Quebec and saw his doctor. Whom upon examination of the X-rays, proclaimed: this is such a curious fracture. It seems you broke it and either walked or danced on it afterward?? And JC answered; "That's quite possible!"

The logic conclusion as ice climbers was thus: Be prudent on Vertical ice, but beware of HORIZONTAL ice, it is the one that will get you ;-)

Shortly after, I would guess fall 1986 or winter 1987, JC moved out west for good.

So it was natural, when in 1999, my ex-girlfriend and great friend Helene moved out west to ski, that she got in touch with JC who introduced her to the Rockies and later to her husband Jim. Who have since then formed a family and lived happily in the Rockies, with JC and Lise as close friends.

Here is to you JC, my friend, knowing you were a genuine kind and caring soul, remembering all the laughs and fine times we shared, knowing you leave behind much love, care, passion and a great sense of fun.

Cheers buddy!
Bernie XoX

I showed up at LFH/TLH guide training in Dec 2006... I knew nobody. and was a bit intimidated. The first day out was Crevasse Rescue, and this bear of a French Canadian decides he will be my partner for the morning... He casually grumbles about all this shite in his pack, something about the only time in the year it will all be in there, and asks if he's on belay. I smartly tell him he's on a monster munter, and I'll lower him over the edge.... nearly swallowing his cigarette he has been happily working on, he comes over to inspect before trusting me to send him over chainsaw ridge...He grunts in approval, and encourages me to get on with it so we can ski later. Thats how I met JC. LFH seems to attract a good cast of characters over the years, I guess I fit in nicely, and JC was one who took me under his wing.
At the lodge my fist week, he showed me around, got me set up, and offered a few Kokanee ( " they're over there if you need any...").
Like any good quebecois, he had a certain way about him, and often would let others know if you were out of line...
Sunny days in the tenure where spent making a direct line to 'Golden Girl' with 'Trapper' and 'Vis A Vis' the usual stops along the way... For variation, we'd go East to 'Soprano or Showcase", and snowy days were spent on 'Gucho Mucho". As a young guide new to an area, you're always worried about missing a pickup... I quickly learned to follow the smell of Players Light through the forest...
All this aside, I had a lot of fun and respect working with JC, and I learned a lot of valuable information from him, as a mentor at LFH, and a lot of fun and laughs along the way. On skis, or on the river, I know he was a happy man.
A dieu JC !

How utterly sad that we've lost you so suddenly & & far too soon. Outdoorsman you surely were but I also treasure the many times we have wined & dined together. You & Lise being the best of hosts, displaying your cuisine talents & always creating such wonderful creations. Along with that there were always the smiles, the tales of adventure, the jokes, the laughs playing Perudo. What wonderful memories i have to hold on too.
Phil tells me endless stories of mountains climbed & adventures shared. There is a huge hole in his heart.
Rest peacefully now & remember how much you were loved by so many of us. LOL.

We are so fortunate; we had Jean-Claude as a brother, brother in law and uncle.
His open heart, always a smile and nice word for everyone, the way he enjoyed life will be an inspiration for ever.
We also will remember Jean-Claude’s simplicity, natural integrity and kindness.
All our love,
La Famille Fyfe

Steelhead fishing in Yakutat AK with JC, a lime green suburban and LOTS of beer! I don't think we sleep for 3 days because the fishing and fun was just too good.

It was always an adventure with JC. His patience and laid back attitude was his gift to clients and friends. His sense of humor priceless. His diligence and work ethic helped the businesses and people he worked with become successful. Here's to endless snow fields of powder and all the steelhead you can catch. Thank you for the wonderful memories and support! You will be missed my friend.

In memory of my brother Jean-Claude, I will remember all those summers we spent together in Saint-Tite. The smile you had the joy of life and always cheerful. Subsequently, in 2006, I had a pleasure to be received by Lise and JC while traveling in Western Canada to celebrate our 50 years me and Jean-Pierre and our 24th wedding anniversary. Is was a trip I will never forget. You will always be in my heart my brother Jean-Claude.
Lucie XXX

JC came to join me, in 1977, in Banff where i was guiding a group from QUEBEC on a two weeks moutain trip in the Rockies. On the glacier trip, JC fell in a crevasse and scared the hell out of me! I ran and looked down the hole he just had made and he was hanging by his rope mesmorise by the beauty of the blue walls of the crevasse. I told him, hang on we are going to get you out of here.. he replied to me no, lower me further down, this is so beautiful! Thats says a lot about JC and it’s problebly then that he fell in love with the mountains and decided to make them his home.......rest in pace little brother

Remember a sobering
To 90 years, I met a mother of a hockey player arena who had lost his brother in an avalanche in western Canada.
In the following week, I called JC to talk to him this incident. He told me it was a friend.I ask to JC, you're not afraid that happen to you too? He tells me if I have to die in these circumstances, I will die happy because that is what I love to do in life.
Well all this let me give thought to matter.
For cons, I can tell you that after seeing photos of rafting, there is no doubt he left happy.
With love Nicole

When I first met Jean-Claude, I had no idea that he would bring me into adventures I would never forget ever after. My uncle made me discover the beauty of nature like I had never seen before, and shared experiences that will last for a lifetime.

Unfortunately those two week, although full in experiences and awe, were only too short. Everyone who gets to know JC wants to know him further.

JC left us way too early, but his lifestyle is still a model for each of us. He was one of those men who would never be afraid to brave any obstacle if it was to live his life the way he saw fit. He may have died young, but he lived his life passionately at its fullest from the very beginning until the very end. And if he left us a will, I believe it is for us to do the same.

I thank my uncle Jean-Claude for these wonderful experiences he gave me and all of his family and friends, and I am most grateful about the passionate flame he left us to take and light further up.

From this day on, I shall live my life the way JC would have loved everyone of us to. I will live it at its fullest.

My brother may have lived far from me but he has always been there for me. I learned a lot during our conversations and hiking. I will carefully keep in mind all the good times we shared together and a special place in my heart for him. I will miss him.

An Englishman and a French Canadian on a remote steelhead stream in Northern BC. An unlikely combination but one full of humour and warmth. JC and I swapped jokes and stories, too many to mention. Every time I left Spey Lodge, JC would insist on us saying goodbye with a great leaping chest-charge and it was always an honourable tie! I am grieving down here but I take comfort that wherever JC is now, it must be a happier place for his presence. Rest in peace my friend.

JC was always a character well liked! He fly-fish guided for us in the Terrace area and all the guests were fully entertained when JC was around! A great people person, outdoorsman and friend. Never a dull moment and a life well lived! A great guy indeed. We'll miss you Jungle:)