City wants to name something after Jonathan Pitre, will wait for family’s blessing
Posted Apr 7, 2018 12:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Mayor Jim Watson believes the young man's life deserves to be recognized, as his struggle, and the positive outlook he kept throughout years of hospital visits, served as inspiration to millions.
The City of Ottawa will soon be looking to honour the legacy of Jonathan Pitre.
Mayor Jim Watson is not sure whether it will be through the naming of a street or arena, or the starting of a foundation in the young man's name, but he told The Rick Gibbons Show on Friday that something will be done with the blessing of Pitre's family.
“We want to certainly do something to honour this brave young man,” said the mayor. “But my practice is, let us go through the grieving period and let's allow for an opportunity to speak with his family to see what they would like and what they would see as appropriate. Then we would be very happy to fulfil their wishes.”
The teen's mother Tina Boileau sent out a statement via Facebook on Friday.
“My family and I are now requesting your understanding in respecting our privacy as we reunite as a family to support each other in the challenging days ahead as we grieve the loss of our son, brother, grandson and above all a fearless warrior,” she said.
However, the mayor insisted something will be done to honour Pitre, eventually.
“The one thing we don't want to do is see him pass without recognizing what he did for the disease that he was suffering with, but also the positive attitude he had,” said Watson. “I couldn't possibly imagine that degree of pain and suffering for an entire life, and boy, he hit it head on with a positive outlook. He did have dreams of being a [NHL] scout and wanting to live a good life and have a family. Sadly, those dreams won't come true but he certainly inspired a lot of people, that's for sure, in Ottawa and throughout the country.”
Pitre passed away at a Minnesota hospital last Wednesday after battling a rare blistering skin condition called EB.
Listen to the full conversation with Mayor Jim Watson:
