We regret to have to share the very difficult news with you that Jean-Pierre (JP) Petit, one of our union representatives, has tragically passed away. JP was in an accident while cycling from Winnipeg to Kidney Springs, South Dakota. He was cycling to raise awareness of kidney disease and support his granddaughter who recently underwent a kidney transplant. This is a huge loss for the local and we are all still working to come to grips with this tragic and sudden news.
Our deepest condolences go out to JP’s wife Carmelle, his three children Marquis, Julien, Janique, and their families. We wanted to share with all of you, the message they wrote on the Cycle4Eveline website:
The Petit family wishes to inform everyone who has been following along with the Cycle4Eveline journey that our wonderful JP – husband, father, grandfather, hero – has succumbed to his injuries.
JP has always been focused on the health and safety of others. He leaves behind an amazing legacy of this which includes his recent support of his son and granddaughter during their kidney donation experience, and then his fundraising plan in support of Eveline’s kidney transplant and for other kids who need nephrology care. And now, with this legacy ride, he is donating his organs to help save more lives.
JPs wife Carmelle and their three children Marquis, Julien, Janique, and their spouses, and many grandchildren are all deeply proud of JP and so grateful for his presence in their lives. “God provided us a miracle of a man who is leaving a legacy of love, selflessness, and heroism.”
If you wish to honour JP at this time, please give at cycle4eveline.ca or leave a tribute gift in memory of JP at goodbear.ca. Both will continue to support JP’s final goal.
~ Marquis Petit
JP started at Old Dutch in 1989 and shortly after he was active in the union and became a shop steward. He worked on organizing drives with the union for several years and was hired on full-time in 2012. He was a kind-hearted, thoughtful and supportive friend to his many colleagues and members throughout Manitoba, including in Thompson where he lived and worked as a union rep for several years before returning to Winnipeg.
The Local is working hard to ensure that while we are all grieving the loss of JP, we continue to support you, our members. In the interim, Dan LeClaire will be working in JP’s territory.
Rest in peace JP, you will be greatly missed.
Jeff Traeger Marie Buchan
President Secretary-Treasurer