Editor,
Hope has lost a great man.
Geoff Lefeuvre, long-time owner of the Hope Hotel together with his family, was a pillar of the community for almost three decades.
Not everyone knew him but most did. For those who didn’t, he was the friendly face behind the counter of the Hope Hotel Liquor Store.
I knew Geoff for four years, from shortly after arriving here to make Hope home.
I had just emailed him with an attachment to have printed for the following morning — a Greyhound bus ticket. He did this for people, a free service from the kindness of his heart.
That morning when I walked in, Geoff’s wife handed it to me and I felt something wasn’t right. Then, a long-time employee, John, told me that Geoff had passed away.
I was shocked and at a loss for words. My tears couldn’t be held back. I lost a friend and Hope lost a great man.
We often chatted. He loved watching hockey, and more recently the Winter Olympics. We joked about him being older yet in better shape than I.
He gave me advice about repairing my sliding window, plumbing and stuff like that.
Geoff never had anything bad to say about anyone. He was happy and a positive soul.
Our local street people were often fed by him and his wife. He would order restaurant food just for them. His dear wife would walk to pick up the food. Geoff even bought dog food and treats for some of the dogs owned by the homeless. Buster was one of those lucky dogs.
Now Geoff leaves behind a beautiful family who continue to run the Hope Hotel.
Let us keep Geoff legacy and our fond memories of him alive.
Frank Granovski
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