Jamie Lapierre: Remembering Jamie 25 Years Later

When Jamie Lapierre walked into a room, he filled it. Roaring around Halifax in a yellow Mustang, the 21-year-old lived a charming and charmed life. Known for his magnetic personality, Jamie was adored by his parents and siblings and, as the baby of the family, often charmed his way out of whatever playful trouble he found himself in. He was an easy-going and kind-hearted guy who would have done anything for his friends and family.

Tragically, in February 2000, Jamie died while working in a confined space, on a barge off Port Hawkesbury. Later, it was determined that Jamie's death was caused by the amount of rust in the hold, which led to a lack of oxygen. 2025 marks 25 years since Jamie died at work. He was 21.

Re-Sharing Memories of Jamie

In 2014, Jamie’s family and friends shared their memories about Jamie through several short videos. Special thanks to the family for allowing us to honour Jamie’s memory as part of this year’s Day of Mourning. 

Andre Lapierre: Jamie’s Dad

Andre, Jamie’s dad, reflects on life with Jamie and what happened after learning about Jamie’s death.

Stacie: Jamie Lapierre’s girlfriend

Stacie reflects on how everything changed for her as a result of Jamie’s death.

Roger Hudson: Jamie Lapierre's friend

Roger recounts the special friendship he had with Jamie – he still is the best man.

Read more about Roger’s reflections on his ‘best man.’

Brenda Lapierre: Jamie’s Mom

At the age of 16, Jamie Lapierre didn’t have money to buy his mother a Christmas present. So, he wrote her a heartfelt letter. Five years after he gave it to her, Jamie Lapierre died on the job. Today, 25 years later, Jamie’s story is a lasting reminder of the love and loss Brenda, his mother, and Jamie’s family hold every day. Brenda cherishes that letter still to this day. 

Jamie’s death created a lasting impact on his family, inspiring them to become involved with Threads of Life, a national family support network. Through the organization’s Speakers’ Bureau, Brenda and Jamie’s sister Karen continue to share Jamie’s story in the hope that the tragedy that took him is never forgotten or repeated. In 2025, Karen Lapierre-Pitts will speak as part of the Day of Mourning Ceremony at Province House.