Children’s book honours life of Bombardier Patrick Labrie
The life of late Bombardier (Bdr) Patrick Labrie is recounted in a beautiful children’s book: “Patrick the Paratrooper”.
He passed away in a parachute accident on June 17, 2019, during Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE in Bulgaria.
The book is a labour of love, a collective project by members of his family who wanted to immortalize the young soldier and keep his legacy alive. They also chose to turn it into a fundraiser by donating $7 for each book sold to the Soldier On program.
Writing a book was never on his mother Julie Rivard’s radar, never mind one about such an intimate subject. Yet inspiration struck while she watched a talk show, which had Jimmy Kimmel share news of his own fundraising book.
“I thought, ‘Wow, what a great idea to continue Patrick’s memory and to give a donation to a program within the Canadian Forces,” Rivard said.
She felt that a children’s book would be the simplest and most interesting way to recount Bdr Labrie’s life. This format would also be easier to produce both a French and English edition.
Writing the book was instrumental to Rivard’s healing process.
“It gave me motivation to really see how Patrick’s life was so good in the Canadian Forces,” she said. “It gave me such satisfaction to write this book.”
She admits that it was difficult as memories of his childhood and young adulthood flooded her mind. But it was worth it.
“It made me stronger … I think Patrick gave me a mission to promote his memory and to promote kids to follow their dreams,” she added.
Bdr Labrie was passionate about sports and staying active and was a regular at the gym. He would have wanted her to support Soldier On, said Rivard.
It was his dream to join the military ever since he was a young boy, and he was happiest when in uniform.
He loved being challenged and found himself growing as a leader. He was also a few months from marrying his fiancé Jessica Lafleur when he passed away.
He was incredibly humble yet able to fill a room with his presence. He was well-loved by his friends and coworkers.
From Buckingham, Quebec, Bdr Labrie enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in August 2013 as an artillery soldier and spent most of his service with the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (2 RCHA).
His story is shared in the book.
Rivard was grateful to Arianne Collins for illustrating the book. She also acknowledged Sylvie Thibaudeau, Lafleur, Genevieve Savard and Martine Maisonneuve for their help.
People can purchase his book for $20 by contacting Rivard at famillelabrie@videotron.ca.
