B12 Home for a friend By DOUG BROWN Free Press staff writer It isn’t a vast pyramid or towering monument, but those who knew Michelle Lamarche best couldn’t hope for a better legacy for her than a few simple, green fields that all of Michelle’s friends will be able to call home. Women’s soccer player Michelle Lamarche died in 1998 from a brain tumour. It was a tragic end for someone so loved by her Myatovic teammates that they nicknamed her Ruby, “because she was a gem,” says Rena Hoffman, who played and lived with Michelle. “She was a motivated person. High energy, fun-loving, always positive and bubbly,” says Hoffman. Although soccer was important to Michelle, the fun and camaraderie were doubly so. Telling corny jokes and then bursting into infectious laughter that couldn't be denied was classic Michelle, remembers Hoffman, blinking back tears. “We’ll never forget her laugh. She was a role model to the other players on the team because she didn’t take it so seriously. She wasn’t a hardcore, serious player. She was just going out there to enjoy it.” When Michelle was gone, there was a void left in Myatovic, one that the players quickly filled with remembrances of their Ruby. Michelle’s number, nine, was retired after her death and all of the players had a nine sewn on the sleeve of their jerseys. It has proven to be a bit confusing for opposing teams when all of the players have the same number when seen in profile. But it’s a joke they feel Michelle would have appreciated. “That would be a game Michelle would like to play. ‘Ha-ha, we’re all nine!”’ laughs Hoffman. To ensure that the memory of Michelle’s life and the special place she had in the hearts of all of the Myatovic players, a soccer tournament was begun last year, with proceeds going towards the establishment of the Michelle Lamarche Women’s soccer fields. It’s an honour that Hoffman thinks Michelle might have tried to deny. “She wouldn’t want to be the centre of attention. She’d say ‘Get lost, don’t give me all that attention. I don’t need that in my name.’ But it will truly keep her spirit alive. “The fields will give women’s soccer a home and it will almost be like a home for Michelle. She will always be a part of the team and we’ll never forget her laugh,” says Hoffman. The tournament runs June 10 and 11 at DP Todd school. A social is planned at the Buffalo Brewing Company for June 10. Anyone interested in donating or forming a team can contact Rena at 562-1502 or Jody at 563-1366. NOW IN STOCK • CM VIS gas engine $1,500 exchange • Rebuilt 6.5 III $4,250 exchange • 1 year 20,000 km warranty • 3 certified mechanics on duty ' INJECTION FLUSH " $79 for gas engine $129 for diesel engine - Designated government inspection facility and an ICBC vendor NK Automotive Truck S Diesel Repair Ltd. 5520 South Blackburn Rd. 963-9883 Prince George. BC_____________________________ Toil Free 1 888 S67-2221 SAVE-T DRIVING SCHOOL LTD. Locally owned & operated Learn to Drive & Stay Alive • Graduated Licensing Program* *ICBC Approved • Exclusive Standard Car Option • Various Packages Available Don ’t be an average driver SAVE-T DRIVING SCHOOL LTD. 563-6744 • 1304 - 6,h Avenue 561-2420 2073 1ST AVE. 564-TIPS (8477) 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) You may be eligible for a cash reward and you will remain anonymous. SPONSORED BY ews, sports and iment delivered to 3r every Thursday ind Sunday oulNCE GEORGE THE FREE PRESS SPORTS MAY 28, 2000 The Michelle Lamarche tournament will raise funds for new soccer fields in Michelle's honour. Photo contributed cAduQt T)/teaivt<; I261TI 'i\H Aic. Thin(c Cjwvjf\ 3LC. \i2Q1c6 -TW: G62-5G57 Qkmt VuiCd on nff out TViilnf': ft OnPf*:... MAoifttt. ^Ungn^iiip':. r ___________________I* I ft ot offin to rnfn pv imi'j*:) The Spruce Ridge Pony Club would (ike to thank the following sponsors of their annual ■ Spring Schooling Show, held April 29th and 30,h. Wood Wheaton, Western Horseman Craig & Sandy Dairy Queen Dick Byl Law All Mobile Vet Wilbur & Co. G. Laverty John & Carol Yates Leanne Anderson Dr. & Mrs. Dahlstrom Patsy Hubbard Red Robin Karen Aikens j Wendy's The Kennedy Family I Ric's Grill 2nd Cup Famous Players Tim Hortons Tastebuds Kim Chadwick Total Pet Shoppers Drug Mart Ospika Pet Murdochs Vet Services Ryan Clarke The Anderson Family Lions Den The Young Family The Spruce City Skating Club has now wrapped their 99/00 season and would like to extend to the following businesses for their support and donations in helping achieve our goals: • The Elkscentre Staff • The Prince George Free Press • The Prince George Citizen • Prince George This Week • Nedco • D.B. Contracting • Art Knapp's Plantland and Florist • Earl's Restaurant • E.B. Horseman & Sons • Gray Beverages • Just Like Gramma's • Dahl Contracting Ltd. • Aurora Beauty • Praxair Canada Inc. KIKIHIEH ■if STOPPERS PERSON OF THE WEEK. UNENDORSED WARRANTS TWODIAK - Til truck repair ltd. Wl Umrt lurntio. tacifey FULL REPAIR FACILITY FOR TRUCKS & TRAILERS & LOGGING EQUIPMENT; WELDING & FABRICATING OF BOTH STEEL & ALUMINUM C0URTEMANCHE, John Casey 1972-Jan-16 191 cm or 6’ 3" 95 kg or 211 lbs Brown Hair Blue Eyes Mustache & Goatee Crime Stoppers is asking the publics assistance in locating the following male who is wanted on unendorsed warrants. As of 12:29 pm this 26th day of May 2000 John Casey COURTEMANCHE (BD: 1972-Jan-16) is wanted on unendorsed warrants for Possession of a Narcotic and Possession of a Narcotic for the purposes of Trafficking COURTEMANCHE is described as a Caucasian male, 191 cm or 6’ 3" tall and weighs 95 kg or 211 lbs. He has brown hair, blue eyes and a light mustache and goatee. Anyone with information as to where COURTEMANCHE can be located is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).