Marc Lepire wants to continue the work of his deceased father

File Photo, Jean-Francois Desgagnes
Michel Lepire was famous for its ice sculptures, snow and sand.

Jean-François Racine

Monday, January 8, 2018 20:39

UPDATE
Monday, January 8, 2018 23:21

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The renowned sculptor Michel Lepire died, Monday, at Quebec, at the age of 71 years, and despite the money, his son Marc was at work in the evening to build the Palace of Bonhomme.

Associated since of the moons at the winter Carnival in Quebec city, the artist, winter has been a victim of a heart attack earlier in the day. He could not be resuscitated, according to his relatives.

“It happened in the Centre Videotron. It is very unexpected. He wasn’t sick, ” said his wife, Charlotte Butcher-Lepire.

Photo Agence QMI, Simon Clark

Again this year, it is at Sculptures Michel Lepire that the Carnival has entrusted the building up of the 64th Palais de Bonhomme.

To 21 h, his son, Marc Lepire was still on the site Monday evening. No question for him of abandoning the Quebec winter Carnival. Everything must be delivered one week prior to the beginning of the festivities, the 26 January.

“I thanked the team for taking care of the yard for a few hours. My father would not have wanted me to stay at home with me mope around. We are proud of him, his business and his achievements. We will continue, ” he said just before leaving the premises at the wheel of his truck.

One of his grandsons was also stunned. “He was waiting for a meeting. He was in the hall. The team will continue to work on the project. Marc has made the decision to go there. I think he wanted to deal with the spirit. We don’t stop. Life goes on. This is what Michel wanted. Strong like him, he heaved blocks of ice in 71 years ! “added Mathieu Lepire.

A great deal of pride

Michel Lepire was also recognized for his talent on the sand.

According to the young man 21 years of age, his grandfather was very proud of his project of sand sculpture at Expo-Québec. “I think that was what he was most proud of. The year 2008 is a lasting memory for the 400th. It was his biggest project. “

The chairman of the board of directors of the Quebec winter Carnival was as surprised as the other. “The palace has always been associated with Michel Lepire, but me as the hotel manager, I know Michel since 1991. It has revolutionized the presentation of our buffets, our decorations. It is a precursor. People are always impressed. It gave heat to the ice. It is a great loss, but he was able to transfer this passion to his family, ” said the business man Alain April.

Heritage and know-how

“Our hearts go out to the great family of sculptors Michel Lepire, this great pioneer of the ice sculpture as we know it today and a craftsman, and proud staple of our Carnival. Our many years of collaboration will remain etched in our memories knowing that his legacy and his know-how to remain alive, ” says Melanie Raymond, chief executive of the Carnival.

Over the years, Michel Lepire has worked on several projects at the ice Hotel.

SCULPTURES MICHEL LEPIRE

• Founded in 1994

• In 1996, the company has added sand to its range.

• On snow, Michel Lepire has won awards in Japan, Italy and Finland.

• On sand, it had participated since 1994 in competitions in Canada, the United States and Europe.

• He received the 1st prize at the world Championship in 2003.

• His works could decorate a public or private activity in Quebec city to both the outside and the inside.