Never Forget!
March 29 2010: Update
I have no news this spring - It is 5 years to the day that Crazy Al Lasalle, owner of the Refuge B&B was beaten, shot to death, and burned along with his brother in law Danny Sigouin.
I think the cops were probably paid to sweep this under the rug.
No convictions, no one in jail.
I do know one thing however, that American snowmobilers were disgusted when this murder went down, and most of the guys I know, never went back up to ride in that zone.
The filthy scum that killed these two men, along with the PIGS that protect them with theri silence, must be brought to justice.
When is this going to happen?
That's all I have to say. I am disgusted by the lack of real justice in Quebec.
If you are not aware of this crime, please scroll down and read up on all of the details, and click to the other pages as well.
Never forget Al and Danny.
zw
Feb 28 2008; Murder UpdateThere is no update on this horrible Quebec crime. We wait
for the Quebec Provincial Police to finish their job. We
can only guess and speculate as to what they are up to,
and where they are in this investigation. They were optimistic
at first.
I think they know exactly who did this crime.
They need to collect evidence, or they will never get a
conviction.
As for the rest of us, we should never forget.
Two good men were brutally beaten, shot, then mutilated,
and their life work was burnt to the ground. This is not
forgivable, and unforgettable.
When I was in St-Zenon in January, I spoke
to police. They had no news. The silence of the locals on
the matter is deafening. They seem to have totally wiped
from their minds that there ever was Danny, and an Al, and
a beautiful place called the Refuge.
In January, one of the many gangsters living
in the area, in fact living right on the same lake as the
Refuge and the Cabaon Motel, died in an accident, while
dragging his sled on the lake. He was highly placed in the
Quebec Mob. Now that he is dead, there will be an office
shuffle and power struggle in their ranks.
Some will rise to fill his boots, and egos
will clash. We can only hope that their fighting among themselves
will result in one of them giving up the killers. This is
bound to happen, as their moral code is somewhere below
subhuman.
And let's not forget the God factor. Quebec
mob scum are not above God's laws. The January death on
the lake proved this fact. Which one will be next?
So, if you are a person who believes in
prayer, say a few for the good people of St-Zenon, because
until this double homicide slash arson is dealt with, snowmobilers
everywhere have voted with their feet, and will not be back.
zw
New Start for Crazy Al's Family
Al's wife and daughter have started a new life!
With a new baby, and new husband, she has
been through the worst of it, and is back! I am
very happy for them all! I vist the family in
Montreal every Christmas.
Oct 31, 2005 Update
Claudine
Plants trees of Hope at Refuge
Claudine, Alain's wife, plants new trees on the property,
and also has completed the clean up of all the burnt debris
and charred wood. She also paid someone to come in with
a hoe and a truck, and cleaned out all the old foundation
walls from the ground. She says she wants the site to be
clean and beautiful for visitors in the future.
On Feb 11th and 12th, we
will hold the Al and Danny Memorial Ride. There will be a
brief prayer service on the site, with a priest present to
bless the ashes of Al and Danny, which will always remain
in the soil. More details of the ride will be given in the
future.. stay tuned.
All donation checks towards
the education of the children who were left behind, should
be made out to ...
"Claudine
Lampron IN TRUST for Megane Lasalle"
They should be mailed to
Zenwaiter
Box 22003,
Shoppers West End Post Office,
Vernon B.C.,
CANADA, V1T 9L7
Claudine says a big thankyou to everyone
that has been so kind, noteably, the SledFreak.com Golf Tournament
which raised 355.00 usd for the kids.
Details
HereSept 6th 2005 UPDATE:
Mis à Jour.
Pour le funeraille de Danny Sigoun; 11 sept.
La visite est de 2 hrs a 4/30hrs le 11 septembre, (le jour
de l'anniversaire de son pere) au 2159 blv. St-Martin, Laval.C'est la maison Alfed
Dallair au tel:514-277-7778. Mme Sigouin demande de faire
des dons a la maison de desintoxication la maisonnee. No adresse
for now! apres la petite ceremonie il y a un lunch au meme
endroit.
Funeral for Danny
Sigouin Sept 11th 2005
There will be a funeral for
Danny (Daniel Sigouin) September 11th 2005, from 2pm to 4:30
pm, on his father's birthday. It will take place at 2159 blvd
St-Martin in the City of Laval Quebec. The name of the Funeral
Home is Alfred Dallir. You can call them at 514-277-7778.
Mrs Sigoun, Danny's mother, asks that all donations be made
to the Maisonee Addictions Centre. A small lunch will be served,
details will be announced at the funeral.
The
Police and the coroner on this murder case, have released
his remains to the family, because they were finally were
able to confirm, that it was in fact him. They used DNA to
make the identification. It took three months.
Danny worked
at many things during his lifetime. In the winter, he usually
worked as a ski instructor in the Laurentians, and as a gardener
in the summer, for some very prestigious clients in Montreal.
He was a good worker.
During his
life, he had many challenges, but this last winter of his
life, he seemed to be coming into his own. People that were
very close to him told me, that Danny was never so happy as
he was this past winter, working together with Crazy Al at
the Refuge.
I can attest
that all winter, you never saw one without the other.. they
were inseperable. They worked together to help their clients
have a wonderful snowmobile holidays at the Refuge, and they
also worked very hard together on promoting and organizing
the ice races in St-Zenon - which were a tremendous success.
Danny was
an honest man. You never had to wonder what he was thinking,
because he wasn't afraid to tell you straight up.
Danny was
very very funny. I dare anyone to spend five minutes with
him, without laughing your head off.
Danny was
very warm and kind. He never refused a favour. If you needed
someone to help unload your sled, he was the first one there
to help out. Always helpful, and generous to a fault.
Last photo taken of these two brothers,
a day or two
before their brutal slayings... approx March 27th?
Danny was
loyal. With his brother Crazy Al, he watched over him.
On the night
of the murder, Danny could have been in Montreal with friends,
or with family members, but he insisted on sticking with Al,
because Al needed him. If Danny had not been such a loyal
friend, he would be alive today.
zw
Sidebar
In related news, the buzz is that the murder investigation
is still going strong, and that our Quebec Police murder investigation
team is closing in on their suspects. From
the bits that I hear, I am hopeful that we will have the killers
in jail before too long.
Please pray
for the Police investigation team.
As you know,
I believe that prayer is very powerful, especially in the
face of such a heinous acts of evil.
I believe
that occasionally, GOD does get involved in the affairs
of men, when there is such horrible events such as this double
murder arson of the Refuge.
So much
beauty, hope, and joy, crushed by the evil men that live in
St-Zenon. Pray with me, that these filthy evil men will be
defeated and put in jail where they belong. Then we can get
back to enjoying the beauty that is in the St-Zenon area,
and the memories of Al and Danny, our brothers.
zen
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
July 21 2005
UPDATE
I called the head investigator, Jude Joyal of the Surete du
Quebec Police today for an update. He is very tight lipped
on the matter, but when I asked him if he was satisfied at
how things were going, he said "Yes, I am happy.. if
things were not going well, I would be unhappy."
When I asked him if it would
take three years to collect all the evidence he needed to
make a solid arrest, he said "No no no.. not three years!"
When I first interviewed the cops in April, they told me I
could expect three years as a norm. Judging from the officer's
reaction, I would say they are close to nailing the killer/s.
I haven't been able to reach
Al's ex wife on the phone, she is probably on holidays. She
has been suffering from a burn out she suffered at the office
about a year ago, but seemed to be on the mend last time I
spoke to her, though the murder didn't help things.
I spoke to a neighbour in St-Zenon tthis afternoon, and he
told me that the local badboys, have been "very quiet"
all summer. I know that Pierre LaFlame, one of the investigators,
is still keeping shop in St-Michel, and that Police presence
is still hefty.
In Quebec, the Hell's Angels
had their asses kicked by the Surete in recent years, and
some are leaving the Province apparently, so they say on the
news media. The brutal slaying of Al and Danny, spelled the
end to the wild west in Quebec's Lanaudiere. They authorities
are probably feeling the sting of American feedback on the
Internet and in their mail boxes, as hundreds of irrate snowmobilers
have taken the time to send mail, voicing their disgust at
the lawlessness.
On a happy note, I should
mention that many of Al's clients from the Refuge have been
in touch with me this summer. Also Garry Grouse and his wife
Judy from Ontario New York, crossed the continent in their
motorhome heading for Alaska. They went out of their way to
drive right here in Vernon BC, to spend some time with me.
Garry was one of Al's very favorite clients. We were all a
big family at the end.
I am still unwell over all
this, but I sometimes feel like my old self from time to time,
which is a good sign. I am going fishing for a week, and hope
to solicit help from Al and Danny, in landing a monster Coho
Salmon!
Cheers!
zw
Double
Homicide and Arson at Auberge Le Refuge
(All
photos are Copyright Zenwaiter)
Cick this photo to see some newly released photos of the remains
of the Refuge on Sledquebec.com .
Zenwaiter
saddened by the loss of Al and Danny.
Last Sunday
at 9 am , before driving to the funeral in Joliette, I visited
the remains of the Refuge, and the final resting place of
my good friend Alain Lasalle and Danny Sigouin his brother
in law. The family may have their ashed in a little box somewhere,
but this is where they will always rest for me.
The
actual shooting deaths of Alain Lasalle and Danny Sigouin,
and the subsequent arson of Auberge Le Refuge, took place
in the early hours of Tuesday March 29th 2005.
Auberge Le Refuge, an exciting snowmobile
Getaway!
On
March 30th 2005, ( the day after the brutal slayings ) Dennis
Haineault of the neighbouring Cabanor Motel across the lake,
was quoted in the Journal de Montreal on page 25, as
saying that the Auberge Le Refuge, was not really an
Auberge at all, but was just a place where snowmobilers could
stop. The paper also said it was unoccupied most of the time.
Each large room had new furnishing
and a beautiful view.
This Doctor, and this New Jersey
Superior Court Judge, were regular clients at the Refuge for
four years. People like this do not stay at sub-standard motels.
The Refuge was in fact, much more than that, and to say such
a thing before the corpses were even cold, is to insult the
memory of a man that worked very hard to build his dream,
a dream shared and enjoyed by hundreds of visiting snowmobilers
over six winters.
Auberge Le Refuge was a registered Auberge with Tourism
Lanaudiere, and was also member in good standing of the
Haute Matawinie Chamber of Commerce. It was designated
a three star establishment, and well known.
In the summer, business was slowly
growing to include fishermen, boater, and Quad enthusiasts
alike.
The rooms in the Refuge were of the highest quality, with
vaulted ceiling, individual bathrooms, and beds to sleep five
people in grand style. The walls were all made of rough pine
inside, and the warmth and comfort was unsurpassed in the
Lanaudiere Region. One room even had a large Jacuzzi bath
tub for the weary sledder to relax. 
Winter of '04 -'05, the Refuge was
FULL ocupied most of the time.
The rooms were clearly superior to anything the nieghbours
had to offer, plus the Auberge was snuggled into the forest
in the back, making it very quiet, and the perfect place to
sleep like a baby after a day of snowmobiling. Rooms in the
front featured a balcony, with front row seats to the continuous
drag races on the lake.
Clients would drag on the lake for
hours!
Perhaps the favorite feature of Auberge Le Refuge, was the
locking heated garage, which held up to 14 snowmobiles. When
the temps hit forty below, even the most stubborn Tripple
would fire up in an instant, and take you out with pride.
Most of the Refuge clients,
had the means to ride the
snowmobiles of their choice, all top models! The heated
garage in the backgroud of this photo, made sure, that
even under the coldest conditions, these sleds would start.The kitchen
in the new Chalet, is where all the action took place.. the
eating, the map studying, and getting warmed up by the fire
after a long day on the trails. Al was becoming a darn good
cook, and a good breakfast would get everyone off to a good
running start!
Now,
after the arson, the only building that remains, is the twelve
by twelve original cabin, that Al build twelve years ago,
remains and stands as a tomb stone to mark his passing.
I have removed the other photo, because it was too upsetting.
We
Love You Al and Danny.
zw
RIP
Alain Lasalle 1965-2005
Dec 27th 2002, A rare shot of Al sitting down. He had just
completed the entire new big cottage, and just in time for
the season! His wife Claudine is at his side, staring out
onto the lake, dreaming his dreams of the future.
Updates
Here
Your
Letters are all here
Alain was a big dog lover.
This is Fred his Husky! Fred and my dog Rocky were the best
of friends, but Fred was boss dog. Alain always let Fred sleep
in the house at night, but he had to spend the day light hours
outside. We miss you Al, and so does Fred. He is being cared
for by family right now and is fine!
zw
Updates
Here
Your
Letters are all here
All Photos
are protected by Copyright!
NOTE! All
photos on this web site are COPYRIGHT to Zenwaiter.com,
and cannot be used without permission. If you want to use
them contact me. I will ask you for a photo credit, and a
donation towards the children's fund, which you can send through
paypal by sending money to
zen@zenwaiter.com . Please specify in the message box,
that the cash is for the kids. I will deliver it to them.
zen.
News from Yves!
Hi Gerry, this is le last 2 pictures I took
at the Refuge the 19 march 2005. I always had a stop to see
Crazy Al on every week end i was spending to St-Zénon...
Two week ago, we were on a sled ride and we stop by Crazy
Al place to show the Refuge at a friend. My friend was very
impress by the site ! He was planning a week end soon with
friends.
We spend around 2 hours to talk and share good time with Alain
and Danny. Taking a look at all the pictures on the wall and
other they had on computer.
My ride never be the same !!!
Yves
Auberge Le Refuge : Alain Lasalle, a Great Host!
Al had an Arsenal of Beer... what a
guy! You just had to throw a buck
into the pot, or you could bring your own beer and wine. Being
with
Al was like being at home. 
Some of Al's many many friends! Send me YOUR photo!
(If you have photos of Al, or a prayer,
or a though, send them to me now. I will share them with the
world!)
**************************
Alain Lasalle: Racer at Heart.
Click on this photo to read the updates.
(Cool ride
Al!)A Beautiful
Collage Photo By Marie.
"C'est pour toi que je l'ai fait,
et tout ceux qui pleure aussi sont départ. Impardonnable,
il avait le coeur pure et sans malice, ça me fait de
la peine aussi, j'ai du mal à travailler mais je dois
partir. Dit moi si c'est ok et je le fait agrandir demain
matin. Merci Gerry. Je pense à toi aussi et Mégan..."
(Oui ma belle Marie, c'est tres bien. xoxox zen)"
Click
Ici pour un beau Collage
L-R Crazy Al, Dr C from Elizabeth NJ, Danny,
Bob. Great friends. Feb 3rd. 2005. "Staying at the Refuge
with Crazy Al and Danny, was like being at home. They were
the best thing to every happen to St-Zenon. I still can't
believe it. Prayers and love from me, the Judge, Bob, and
all the rest of my crew from New Jersey." Dr C.
Let us celebrate our
friends.
Crazy Al and Zen, Friends ForeverThis photo taken by Jacques
on Feb 26th, the last one ever for me and Al together.. One
of the few photos of us together. I got into the habit of
shooting him, not me, because I was feeling beat up and tired,
and he was full of life.
I couldn't even look at
this photo until today, it was too hard. Funny thing though,
at the moment it was taken, with the bright sun in my eyes
on the very cold morning, I had a sense of history being made.
I knew something was up, I could feel it. Together we were
breaking through to the blue sky.
It seems Al and I had finally
arrived at a special place. His rooms were full, and my web
site was swamped with readers! It was great. Success at last,
( but still flat broke!) after years of work, inspite of all
the trouble that some people tried to make for us, we were
making it. We ignored the negatives and focused on the joys
of the positive.
But Tuesday morning
at 4:30 am, Danny and Crazy Al's physical lives were ended
in a flurry of violence and terror. Having slipped the bounds
of this physical earth now, they can rejoice in the presence
of God, and receive their rewards for a race well run.
"Je
t'oublirai jamais mes copains! JAMAIS!"
zw
CRAZY
AL Lasalle: 1964-2005
"No
Problem! Exack! Yes Sir! Faster!"
Photo
by Jacques Jaillet; Feb 26, 2005, St-Zenon QC
Alain
Lasalle : A Class Act
Everything
Al did, had to be first class. When he built the Refuge, he
spared no expense, and was always over budget. When he raced
his dirt track bikes, he had to be the fastest, when he made
us breakfast, it had to be perfect.
Al lived his life with his heart on his sleeve, and all his
passion out in the open. His infectious smile and understanding
eyes told everyone that he cared.
I still can't believe he is gone. I am in total shock and
it's killing me. How could anyone ...
Thanks
for the dozens of e-mails and calls. I will be printing out
all the emails and placing them in his album, for his daughter.
Any
donations that are sent in will go to the two Moms, for the
kids savings accounts.
Remember,
there is Al and his daughter, but there is also his brother
in law Danny and his son about the same age.
zw
Crazy
Al: Tradgedy at the Refuge
Fire at the Refuge
At 5 am Mar 29th 2005, there was a fire reported
to the local fire department. The Refuge Inn was ablaze on
Lake Stanislas. This evening, my good friend and ambulance
driver Rolland Thibeault, went to the site on my request,
and confirmed to me that the Refuge has indeed burned to the
ground.
I was told it burned very quickly, and by the time the fire
department arrived, it was too late. The road is totally sealed,
and investigators will arrive in the morning. Apparently,
security is very tight, because human remains have been discovered
in the ashes.
Niether Crazy Al nor Danny were available for comment, they
both appear to be missing. Please pray for our friends, we
do not know where they are. Let us hope they escaped unharmed.
zen
