The passing of Marc Lalonde

It is with great sadness that the Coquitlam Junior Adanacs shares the passing of Marc Lalonde. Since Marc’s first introduction to lacrosse in Coquitlam he was always someone you could rely on. Back in 2011 when James Abbott and Garrett Ungaro negotiated the transfer of the Junior Club from the previous management team, they knew they would need some help to get the Club back on its feet and ready for the upcoming 2012 season. Both had worked with Marc through Minor Lacrosse and knew he had a passion to help and a passion to win. They brought Marc onboard and he completely designed our procedures and organized volunteers to run the Club. Marc would be working the front gate one minute and then announcing players in the penalty box 5 minutes later. Nothing was below Marc and every game, every meeting he would bring new ideas and his incredible passion to improve the club. What made him stand out was his constant smile and how he treated every single person he met as if they were his own family.

Marc's contribution and impact on the club has been immeasurable since the start of the 2012 season right up to his final game in 2019, when he made the decision to step away to spend more time with family. Marc helped the club achieve so many great things on and off the floor, he was a consummate professional in every aspect of his duties. If a volunteer was needed; Marc’s hand was up. When we needed to raise money for travel; Marc connected with local sponsors and worked to generate value for all involved and helped to get us up and running even better than before. Marc was involved with everything from standard game-day operations to BBQs for the minor lacrosse club. He was the first one to step up to organize and volunteer in any way he could, his only question would be "what else can I do". All this time and effort spent volunteering translated into great friendships and camaraderie amongst the entire group that extended far beyond lacrosse. Marc was a true and genuine friend.

Marc was a key player in the growth and success of the Adanacs, from the Minors all the way up to Senior clubs. He was a constant fixture at the rink, always with a big smile on his face and moving with a purpose and task to complete. Marc was a "doer", he would never stand aside or shy away from what needed to be done. Those involved know the amount of background work needed to prepare and help the players focus on the game can be daunting, this was all orchestrated by Marc. Our club has been fortunate to have travelled together over the years and doing this with 40+ members was no easy task. Itinerary for 2 weeks including meal prep, laundry for 35 and rental cars; the list is endless. All accomplished by the hard work and sweat of Marc Lalonde. He would take the lead, he loved doing it and could do it better than anyone else. This translated to our best product on the floor and in preparation for the upcoming games. The impact Marc has had on players throughout the years has been immeasurable and his legacy will live on, we will carry forward his commitment to the club and its players.

Considering all the energy that Marc put into volunteering it is hard to imagine that he had any time to put his family first – but he did - always. His family was front and center in everything he did, so often would he have Aidan & Liam by his side, ensuring they understood the importance of giving back and putting the work in. Marc never expected any recognition; his only intention was to be of service. They could be found filling water bottles, doing gameday floor patrols and offering a helping hand wherever needed. We’d see Devyn; in her older years helping with the front gate on game days, all a reflection of Marc’s passion and influence as an incredible father who always made time for his community. 

The Lalonde, Dowling, and Shein families have established a non-profit foundation in honour of Marc Lalonde. Our hope is that his legacy lives on through The Marc Lalonde Memorial Foundation. The Marc Lalonde Memorial Foundation’s mission will be to offer ongoing personal, professional, and educational development for young people, and work to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. The Funding Page contains more information and ways to donate, which can be found through the link below.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask you to consider donating to the Marc Lalonde Memorial Foundation.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-marc-lalonde-memorial-foundation

Marc Lalonde's service Thursday December 3rd, at 11 AM:

https://www.legacystreaming.com/burquitlam-funeral-home/

If you would like to offer your condolences to the Lalonde family, you can go through the tribute wall / memory book, or send your wishes to the family via marclalondefoundation@gmail.com.

Tribute Wall / Memory page

Marc Lalonde Obituary - Coquitlam, BC | Burquitlam Funeral Home

You are not alone in your grief. Our family and community are together in sadness. If you feel hopeless and you need to talk please call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service, 24/7 at 833-456-4566.