Rene St Onge Tribute Thread

[TylerG]

Folks, as much as these wonderful words of heartship mean to the family. How about we try to make this into a tribute thread. Share stories and photos of the man Rene was. I will personally take all the stories and photos and compile them into a book of sorts to send to the family. I feel that many of you have stories to tell of Rene and while they may not be immediately read by the family in due time they would be reflected upon lovingly.


By all means post your real name if you like or just your forum handle.

Rene, may you ride on forever amongst the many others that have passed before you. Continue to be the leader of the pack I'm learning you were. Thank you for everything you did for motorized recreation in your short time on this planet.

 

[rknight111]

Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

Thank you Tyler. Last time I rode with Rene At eagles I went sideways on ice on the trail and broke a rib with the handlebars of my nytro. We were a fairly large group, I remember Jeoff Kyle was there too, Rene told me to suck it up, let’s ride. I tried for a while and finally found an area that I could stay in for a while while they rode. I think he referred to me as a pussy that day. Then headed down to his lodge where everyone had great times. Rene hung around for the evening and shot the crap with us. Always full of energy and laughs. Will miss him. I have known Rene since about 2004 since Curtis.SBR and Ric Summitric introduces us to sicamous. We rode with mostly Raymond St.Onge Rene’s brother from rocky and was introduced to Nadine Overwater there cousin as well when she was quite young. Remember riding in golden with her, she can ride a sled too. This is in the entire family’s blood. We met the entire family many times at the Wee Troll Inn located in sicamous, they cane and had supper. My thoughts are with the entire St. Onge family, the Overwater family, all Rene’s friends, and SAR and the people that were with him that day. Ron

 

[lilduke]

Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

Guess its safe to post this now. Snow flakes please don't watch. Rene was always a good time & he knew how to live life to the fullest.
The guy had a ton of friends and will be missed by many.

Starting to loose count of all the friends I've lost to sledding.... Dangerous hobby.

https://youtu.be/-WEJkFJJ9Vw

 

[honda450]

Re: Rene St Onge Trubute Thread

I met Rene back in 2010 when I had a little oops with a tree on my m8. He radioed the groomer and lined up a ride for my sled back to the parking lot. I was floored that a guy just outta the blue would help out a total stranger. I knew who he was after that for sure. Although he never knew my name he always knew me as team Rosetown. Over the past 8 years I have seen him lots on the hills and he always knows who I am and that I am team Rosetown. Always a stand up guy, ambassador in our wonderful sport and was never afraid to have a good chin wag no matter how many guys he had in his crew. He will be missed in all aspects of his life as he was a stand up guy all round. I know where I will see him on frisby every time I go by. Seems like our paths crossed very close to the same place numerous time. Your will be missed. Take care buddy. Rest In Peace

 

[OOC ZigZag]

Re: Rene St Onge Trubute Thread


Legends

 

[Lund]

Re: Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

I first met Rene in early 2000, i don't remember exact year and at first i thought it was closer to 2005 but no it wasn't.
Because we traded Ski-doo ZX parts...LOL, he needed some parts i had and i needed parts he had. After that i would see him occasionally at the BRP dealer where we would BS about our sleds and set up's.
In 2005 we both purchased the new RT1k, he bought an (imo) ugly blue and yellow one and i bought the awesome black one hahaha and that pretty much set the stage for our short relationship.
I have a few Rene stories but will relate one.
In 2006 i got my guiding licence and started guiding out of Enderby, Hunters Range. LOL while Rene was guiding on the opposite side of Mara, Owls head. Our paths would cross multiple times during the 2007-2009 seasons.
I fell out of contact with Rene in 2010-11, he was busy and i was busy and i got out of guiding in general and all i knew was what i heard.
Funny how life can change.
I remember on one occasion i took the group into Owls head from Hunters Range...Rene's tenure (territory).. LOL...and we were having lunch at Video hill. Suddenly a large group of sledders came through the tree's down from Skinny and guess who's leading. He buzzed me and my group and ripped around back where we all had lunch together, lots of BS and great laughs. Memories, great memories.
Rest well my friend, dream peacefully, i will see you on the flip side.

Mike

 

[barefooter]

Re: Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

Thanks Ron for turning this into a tribute thread. I think I am going to use this for a bit of therapy. It has been a ****ty, ****ty day.

I first met Dare Ya in the summer of 1999 on the Mara River. It was a beautiful glass evening, and I just was getting ready to jump in to foot after all the traffic died down for the day. All of a sudden a boat comes around the corner with some idiot barefooting on a boom beside it. All I could think was “at least his driver can hold a boat straight” as I waited for his wake to die down ( I was barefooting too). They stopped about a quarter mile up. I decided to show him who was boss. I jumped in, did a couple of turns amd then then did a rear toehold while I “saluted” him as I went past. When I dropped I saw his boat pull up and there was this mountain of a guy staring down at me. As the thoughts of “what the hell did I just do” went through my head - he pipes up with “don’t you know it is impolite to show up a guy on his own river?”. And thus began a 20 year friendship and from that day on I was “Barefooter”. Still sticks.

Rene introduced me to mountain sledding. In my learning years I cannot describe the relief when I would see that orange (and blue) jacket pop out of the fog to help me out of whatever bind I got myself into. Once I could keep up (well kinda) I was introduced to some unbelievable country and people. I know I had “made it” when one night the inevitable midnight call came in to Rene that someone was lost up in Owls and he asked “are you coming to help?”. I think he was more proud of my achievements in the rodeo arena than I was. We had not gone riding together the last few years as I caught the “snirtbike” craze (as he called them), but we talked at least once every couple of weeks. Gonna miss those calls.

I also saw the rise of the Eagle Valley Lodge and the people that came with it. Boy I have had some great times there. I know that it was Rene’s dream - but it also made me melancholy. It took a lot out of him and kept him away from his family. It also took away from his real calling - which was being an educator. If not for school board politics, I am sure Rene would have still be teaching. Every one of his former students that I have met almost always call them their “best” or “favourite”. How many more young lives he could have touched positively had he stayed?

There is just too much too say. Tonight I am having a Diet Coke, and later I will have one of those fruity, girlie drinks he used to have when he could still drink. Goodbye Rene. You will be missed greatly

Greg

 

[deaner]

Re: Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

I met Rene on Dootalk back in 2005 I think. He gave me some tips to get my RT1000 set up (and it worked pretty darned good!). Through Dootalk he organized a big forum ride that year. We went out and rode with him the day before the ride. Got to spend quite a bit of time talking about the crap he was going through with the school system. The guy loved teaching but just couldnt take the system any more. Stayed in touch over the years and rode with him the odd time. As the lodge got busier we kind of fell out of touch. The guy just stayed so busy and had SO many friends. I had just told my wife last week that I really wanted to get up there and ride with him again. Was planning on this weekend or next. Good lesson on not putting things off I guess.

What I will remember the most about Rene is that he was a guy who truly lived each day to the fullest. You look at what he did with the lodge, how much he rode, his fishing trips, volunteer work, restoring the lookout, just to name a few things......you wonder if the guy ever slept (I dont think he did much). He was always willing to help people. Whether it was finding lost sledders, getting a dead sled off the mountain, finding a ride for parts or sleds, or anything else, he was always helping someone out. So naturally it makes sense that he knew as many people and had as many friends as he did.

I didnt know Rene as well as some, but he definitely touched my life and will be missed.

Dean Bala

 

[Frenchie]

Re: Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

I met Rene back in February 2006 on my very first snowmobile trip out west with my brother and two cousins. We drove from Ottawa so this was a huge deal for us. We randomly came across him on top of Blue Lake, it was so bright and sunny that day we could barely see in his direction it was like he just dropped from the sky. Maybe that was the modular helmet because I didn’t have those fancy Iridium Oakleys at that time... We immediately knew who he was (from Dootalk) and chatted for a minute or so. He then fired up his Rotax and through the revving rumble we could make a faint “follow me Frenchie!” And just like that Frenchie was born. Yet another sledder baptised by Rene within the sledding community.

I remember this like it was just yesterday; we instantly got so excited with the opportunity to [try] hang with the guy so we ran back to our sleds as fast we could. Once on the saddle I’m about to jam my 670X throttle and notice a faint puff of snow right where he was just parked. We were perplexed for a bit but soon came to realize he had taken a bit of a shortcut; the casual 20 foot cliff. It took a bit of work to find him again but we did. Rene ended up showing us around that whole week, just as if we were part of his close group of friends. On the last night of our trip I walked up to him and shook his hand thanked him and said, “I’ll see you again sir”.

Admittedly a big reason why I am here living the life I have today was largely influenced by Rene. My path would have been much different than the one I am on today and probably wouldn’t be enjoying the sport the same way if it wasn’t for meeting him on that mountain that day. There was something about Rene that sparked anyone he talked to, he was so into life it was contagious and you just wanted to be part of it.

As people already pointed out, I’m sure everyone who knew Rene can attest on his generosity. He was always there to help out anyone and anytime regardless of the very busy life he already had.

I lost touch with Rene these last few years but hearing the sad news made me cry. Rene thank you for your friendship, I will always cherish those moments spent with you which are some of my greatest life memories to date.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Angela, his son Regan, his two lovely daughters, his brother Ray, his parents Leon and Evelyn and rest of his family for their terrible loss.

Rest in peace Rene. God bless you.





I haven't had the chance to edit but the first minute or so is all Rene.





This must be a rare find, Rene did actually ski


The two legends helping each other out. This was the time Krazy got "snatched"

 

[tex78]

Re: Rene St Onge - Trubute Thread

I met Rene back in February 2006 on my very first snowmobile trip out west with my brother and two cousins. We drove from Ottawa so this was a huge deal for us. We randomly came across him on top of Blue Lake, it was so bright and sunny that day we could barely see in his direction it was like he just dropped from the sky. Maybe that was the modular helmet because I didn’t have those fancy Iridium Oakleys at that time... We immediately knew who he was (from Dootalk) and chatted for a minute or so. He then fired up his Rotax and through the revving rumble we could make a faint “follow me Frenchie!” And just like that Frenchie was born. Yet another sledder baptised by Rene within the sledding community.

I remember this like it was just yesterday; we instantly got so excited with the opportunity to [try] hang with the guy so we ran back to our sleds as fast we could. Once on the saddle I’m about to jam my 670X throttle and notice a faint puff of snow right where he was just parked. We were perplexed for a bit but soon came to realize he had taken a bit of a shortcut; the casual 20 foot cliff. It took a bit of work to find him again but we did. Rene ended up showing us around that whole week, just as if we were part of his close group of friends. On the last night of our trip I walked up to him and shook his hand thanked him and said, “I’ll see you again sir”.

Admittedly a big reason why I am here living the life I have today was largely influenced by Rene. My path would have been much different than the one I am on today and probably wouldn’t be enjoying the sport the same way if it wasn’t for meeting him on that mountain that day. There was something about Rene that sparked anyone he talked to, he was so into life it was contagious and you just wanted to be part of it.

As people already pointed out, I’m sure everyone who knew Rene can attest on his generosity. He was always there to help out anyone and anytime regardless of the very busy life he already had.

I lost touch with Rene these last few years but hearing the sad news made me cry. Rene thank you for your friendship, I will always cherish those moments spent with you which are some of my greatest life memories to date.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Angela, his son Regan, his two lovely daughters and rest of his family for their terrible loss.
Rest in peace. God bless you.





I haven't had the chance to edit but the first minute or so is all Rene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1adQCX42orc


View attachment 214237

This must be a rare find, Rene did actually ski
View attachment 214238

The two legends helping each other out. This was the time Krazy got "snatched"
View attachment 214242

View attachment 214243

I think I recall that week, me and a buddy went with you guys and the Ottawa film crew into eagles, your sled was a yellow hood 670 if I recall


That day Rene was on his stock 07 Rev 159, there was a bunch of kitty 1000 there all done up, he climbed to the top by the zig zag and walked overtop of the cornice, yelled her kitty kitty and they tried for hours to get up there lmfao

I then tried to keep up to him on the trail down, no fawking way lol

We waited for the film crew for a whole, then renes like hey Come with me

Took me down to the perry River and talked me I to going across it and back so he could get pics of it

Crazy Sum byotch

 

[SLEDBUNNYRACING]

 

[OOC ZigZag]

It was Boulder 2005. I was running my RT junktousand an Rene was on the Blue turboed Ape. The lower lot was full an me being curious wondered if there was any more parking up top. Both sides of the rd were lined. What was I thinking ....I know but eh. Get up to my buddies prked half way up an asked any room up top? They replied sketchy thin might get 1 more truck on each dide right at snow cat. Snows deep though be careful not to get stuck says JJ lol. So I go get to the cat go to spin an 3/4 way around she spins out. Next thing I know a 350 ford is in front of me. Sticks his head out the window asks if I need a pull. Ya I reply that'd be great...thanks. He hooks me uo then stops an gets out his camera.? Im like what r u doin. He says Im taking a pic of the BC Ford pulling out the Alberta Dodge. I was like F....m..s...b.. hung my head in shame lol. He got me out. Went to park himself got an got stuck. I look at him an smile ask if he wants a pull lol. I hook I pause to take the pic turned to him an said." If i c my dodge up getting pulled put by your Ford Im posting mine. We both chuckled for a sec carried on unload head up. Rene looks over cause Im waiting for the boys to come up an says where ya goin today? I said not sure yet. He says you should come with us. Im meeting some guys in there. I say where? He says Turtle. Im like ok I'll check with the boys. I inquired when they got up to me about possibly going Turtle. JJ looks at me an says Turtles a technical entrance were not goin there. I said ok lol. 15 yrs later an a bunch of rides you can only experience with Rene stays at the lodge. Truly a devastating loss of a legend for the sport the people and his spots. RIP Rene POW an Bluebirds all day for ya now.

 

[barefooter]

https://vimeo.com/306281033?fbclid=IwAR2-T1CZ32526PBvaSQw1ylKRzkOmApAGWTQCez8wvRU_RIWv5kfVJPH9wo

 

[puddle]

https://vimeo.com/306281033?fbclid=IwAR2-T1CZ32526PBvaSQw1ylKRzkOmApAGWTQCez8wvRU_RIWv5kfVJPH9wo

Damn, that was good.

 

[stonasmama]

I really enjoyed reading these. Here’s a chance for you to be generous the same way that Rene was. Angela is going to need some help to get from here to there. https://www.gofundme.com/rene-st-onge-husband-father-and-friend. Thanks!
Jacqueline

 

[benjabel]

I've only had the pleasure of meeting Rene on a few occasions; he is one of those intriguing, genuine, kind, friendly, interested and passionate guys that everyone feels a connection with. He helped me out in a few spots; how to hotwire my boat when the key broke off in the ignition, scuba dove for my phone and wallet when I dropped it off of the dock at White Pines, had shin guards for me when I ripped my pants on my sled, toured me around his place and shops (always a great host!) and absolutely beamed when speaking about his wife and kids.
He is a fantastic gentleman and my thoughts and prayers are with Angela and family as they get through this. I am tearing up writing this, sad yet very happy that I had the opportunity to know this wonderful man.
Rest in Peace Rene, you will be deeply missed and admired.

 

[Cleverweldingltd]

Searching for more information on Rene after hearing the tragic news brought me here. Reading all the stories and seeing the videos makes me feel abit better, knowing Rene lived life to the fullest. I only met Rene once at the sled show in Edmonton, introduced by my wife who has know him since she was 8yrs old spending every summer out at Mara lake. This news has me thinking of my upcoming trip to Sicamous this year in a more somber tone. I hope to hear good news on the Eagle mountain lookout this spring, Rene deserves a worthy memorial.
My deepest condolences to the family, RIP Rene

 

[skegpro]

https://globalnews.ca/news/5032370/restoration-work-shuswap-fire-lookout/

 

[Summitric]

https://globalnews.ca/news/5032370/restoration-work-shuswap-fire-lookout/

there should be a memorial placque put up in that lookout for rene!!!

 

[SLEDBUNNYRACING]

there should be a memorial placque put up in that lookout for rene!!!

When I spoke to Ray St Onge he said that was part of the plan.