Sudburians who want to honour the memory of Jean Vanier can sign a book of condolences on display at Tom Davies Square any time between now and the end of the day May 15.
Vanier, 90, passed away May 7. He founded L'Arche, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in 1964. It began with one house in France, L'Arche at Trosly-Breuil, and has since grown across the globe, including an office in Sudbury.
Vanier was still living at L'Arche at Trosly-Breuil when he passed away. In a 2005 interview with The Catholic Herald, he explained his approach to living life and helping others.
“Try and find somebody who is lonely,” Vanier said. “And when you go to see them, they will see you as the messiah. Go and visit a little old lady who has no friends or family. Bring her flowers. People say, ‘but that’s nothing.’ It is nothing — but it’s also everything. It always begins with small little things.”
