'A hero's heart': community remembers Prince Albert homicide victim

Selfless. Cheerleader. Community icon. These are the descriptors that keep coming up as people in Prince Albert grieve the loss of a beloved citizen.

Prince Albert police have identified the homicide victim found Monday afternoon on 18th Street E. as 52-year-old Trevor LaPlante.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said LaPlante was known for working at a local McDonald's for decades, and was loved by customers and fellow workers alike.

"If I was to pick a word for him, I'd call him a cheerleader. He was just a pleasant person, he wouldn't hurt a fly," Dionne said in an interview Thursday.

"That's why our community is in such shock that someone like him would lose their life. As a community, we're certainly upset."

LaPlante never missed a chance to cheer on the Prince Albert Raiders hockey team, Dionne said, even if he was sick.

"He was dedicated and brought us down to earth. He always had challenges, but he also wanted to make sure that you were OK and happy and moving along."

Dionne said one of his fondest memories is of sitting with LaPlante and his sister Charlene Miller, who is on city council, at the World Juniors a couple of years ago.

"I always remember his laughter, and he loved to laugh. His sister knew it and encouraged him. He was just a happy-go-lucky person and very positive. He thought more of other people than himself," Dionne said.

Dionne said LaPlante was in the wrong place at the wrong time and hopes the ongoing investigation reveals more.

"I'm just so upset. I'm so frustrated.… the people have no issue with the law, but they want justice."

"He was a 52-year-old huggy bear. He was just such a nice person.… until we know all the details on how it happened, we're going to continue with that frustration."

McDonald's Canada released a statement on behald of franchisee Raj Bains.

"Trevor was known for his fist bumps with every employee and manager at the end of his shift. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched," it said.

"In the coming weeks and months, the restaurant team will find an appropriate way to honour Trevor's memory together."

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne says Trevor LaPlante was loved by the customers and workers alike. (CBC)

In a news release Wednesday, Prince Albert police said 33-year-old Michael Bird is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a body. He made his first court appearance in provincial court on Wednesday. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 7.

Icon in the community

Sherry McLennan, regional director for Métis Nation—Saskatchewan in the Prince Albert area, organized a fundraising campaign to help the LaPlante family with funeral costs. So far more than $13,000 have been raised, which she said is testament to LaPlante's impact.

"He's an icon in our community because you see him everywhere. He's always walking. He was always working at McDonald's. He loved wrestling and was just so friendly with everybody," she said.

"He made a difference. He's impacted so many lives in our community."

A prayer service is scheduled for Friday, with a funeral planned for Saturday. McLennan said the community is rallying to organize the ceremonies for the family, and that LaPlante's family will be presented with a flag and a sash.

"A sash is an honour to get," McLennan said. "We will have it there for his burial and give the family that so they can know that he had had that honour."

She said LaPlante's senseless killing is spurring a conversation in the community about safety, with many people "scared to go out, staying in their houses feeling like prisoners themselves."

"It's very hard to understand that somebody could do this just to Trevor, because Trevor would never hurt a fly."

McLennan said the world has lost a bright light.

"To the people of P.A., he was a hero, like the heart of a hero. He will never be forgotten."