Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, killed earlier this week after a hit-and-run attack in Quebec, is remembered by buddies in St. Albert as a good friend who loved his job.
Vincent, who was posted around the country in numerous posts, lived in St. Albert for five years, from 2006 to 2011. He was 53 years old and had served in the Canadian Forces for 28 years.
His death was the first of two military personnel fatalities this week to shock the nation. He was killed in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, after being struck by a car driven by a suspected Islamic extremist.
The military firefighter was remembered fondly by Sgt. Ryan Vincent, no relation, who is still stationed at CFB Edmonton as a firefighter and lives in St. Albert.
Patrice was Pat to everyone, Ryan Vincent said. He was friendly and a mountain bike enthusiast.
Ryan met Patrice in 2006, and when later returning to CFB Edmonton in 2011 took over Patrice’s position.
“He was just a really, really friendly guy,” Ryan said. “He was the type of friend who’d show up on moving day.”
Patrice was Acadian, which meant both English and French speakers could have a hard time with his accent, Ryan remembered. His friend was described recently as “Pat being perfectly Pat,” something Ryan said describes Patrice perfectly.
“One of the biggest things he did in his life was his job. He loved what he did,” Ryan said, noting Patrice developed programs still used there now.
Patrice even won an award in St. Albert for his low water consumption, Ryan said. This week has been tough for Ryan and his colleagues. Ryan said his locker and even his name tag were taken over from his friend in 2011 – since they had the same last name, a line was added to turn “P. Vincent” into “R. Vincent.”
Ryan wants the community to be aware of Patrice’s loss and hopes his death is more reason commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day.
After Patrice left CFB Edmonton and St. Albert in 2011, he was stationed in a few other places in Eastern Canada. Ryan kept in touch with the occasional email.
“The biggest thing is everyone was completely shocked,” Ryan said of his friend’s passing.
The firefighters are planning some kind of permanent memorial for Patrice at the base’s fire hall, Ryan said. They extend condolences to his family.
Patrice Vincent’s funeral is scheduled for Nov. 1 in Montreal, Ryan said.
