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Chris Poulin posted a condolence
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Hello everyone my name is Chris Poulin and Michele/Mike Grenier was one of my best friends since we grew up from the age 11.
I played competitive hockey as a goalie and had the absolute pleasure of having Grenier on my team for 6 consecutive years that I wouldn't trade the world for. He has been an important part of my life ever since and I'll always remember the great times because there were so many of them. It will always be unbelievable that he's actually gone - I can still hear him in my garage yelling at me for something "let me explain you something" - you always knew that when he said "okay - let my explain you something" the following statement was usually something crazy and it didn't matter if you agreed or not he would never hold it against you for disagreeing with him which is honestly one of the best qualities in person you could ask for.
I would like to share a few stories of Grenier from hockey and non hockey related memories as I believe it would help me and everyone else whose lives he touched mourn his loss and I hope to bring a few smiles and laughs along the way with these many tears I've accumulated I know that I am not alone and neither are you if you are reading this. All the best
A couple of my best memories from growing up with Grenier on the ice
Out of town hockey tournament Massena New York... Semi finals... It's 1-1 with 2:30 left to go in the 3rd period everything on the line - Grenier gets a penalty for questioning the ref and calling him a few choice names - 2 minute unsportsmanlike conduct making all the players pissed off and coaches signalling to him that when the penalty is over you are 'benched' for the game - everyone was pissed. The coaches just had a chat with the team before the game about taking "unnecessary penalties" So they were EXTRA pissed at mike about this one... We manage to kill the penalty off and just as the penalty expires one of the defenseman chipped the puck out of the zone allowing Grenier to come out of the penalty box for a clean break away...now if we know Grenier ... He may not have the smoothest set of hands or the hardest shot but boy let me tell you 6 years from behind the mask - he can outskate anyone and knock your ass down anytime I've seen it a thousand times - he was infamous for normally NOT scoring on his breakaways because he seemed to have 2-3 per game - but this one was super special given the set of circumstances ... He goes in and in the sloppiest fashion available - trips over his own feet and barely gets a shot off the puck barely trickles over the line - bit of a delayed call from the referee - goal is called and the crowd starts going bananas - as Grenier skates by the benches he is giving the middle finger to the crowd and grabbing his crotch to the other hockey team telling them what to do LOL as he proceeds to give high fives down the bench yelling at our team and coaches "how do you like me now?!?!" We win the following faceoff and win the game and proceed to cheer like a bunch of school girls. The coaches were just shaking their heads in disappointment ??? As Grenier was hailed a hero from the team - I've never seen a coaching staff so disappointed from winning a semi final they didn't even come into the room for a post game chat hahaha - and that's Grenier for you - one minute you're pissed at him for whatever reason the next minute - you're so happy he comes thru in an unexpected fashion and you're able to laugh about why you were mad in the first place - he comes thru ... We went on to win the Massena tournament (trophy is at sens Plex east/Potvin arena trophy case which has all our names inscribed on it!!) which happens to bring me to my next awesome memory of Mike that would clearly illustrate his character and personality in a fashion we could all reflect on.
(Everybody take a drink)
Out of town hockey tournament - Pembroke
Grenier couldn't show up for the game on Friday night because he was finishing a previous suspension (I know - shocking) so on the Friday night all the kids were playing video games / board games at the hotel with the parents and everyone had stayed out of trouble everything was perfectly fine... Saturday comes around ... We won the afternoon game so we made it to the semi finals for Sunday's game - at 8 am ... But as Saturday night comes around ... Grenier wasn't the only culprit in this but he definitely took the blame for the entire hockey team on this one because of his reputation haha... On that Saturday night - pretty much the entire hockey team smoked weed and drank a lot of booze (we were 15-16 at the time so where did we get this booze??) And we ended up all getting busted by our parents everyone was in deep shit and mike literally told the coaches and parents that it was all his idea (but it wasn't) so he took the blame for team - the coaches were always perplexed as to how one person could have such an influence on an entire hockey team - Friday night with no Grenier we're all calm and quiet and staying out of trouble - the next night with Grenier - were all getting busted by the parents it wasn't funny at the time because we got destroyed on Sundays game and got eliminated AND we were all in deep shit from our parents but now that we're much older and marijuana being legal I can't help but cherish those memories !!
The first joint I smoked in front of my dad was with Grenier... We were on our way to a hockey game in Russel and the song "because I got high" by Afroman came on the radio ... Grenier in his infinite wisdom "let me explain you something René" (my dad/assistant coach) he lights a joint in the car and proceeds to tell my dad that I should try being high for a hockey game and if we lose - it's because I'm stoned - but if we win - it's because I'm stoned - seemed to be great logic at the time. We actually won the game and I remember making a few saves by accident wondering how the puck didn't go in ?? We had great laugh in the dressing room afterwards when the team found out I was high for the game they were shaking their heads in disappointment - yet once again - there's Grenier defending my honor and taking all the blame - he was such a good friend that he wouldn't bail you out of jail because he would sitting beside you saying "dam - we fucked up" He very often said "well I'm going to get blamed for it anyway" and never had a problem taking one for the team because he was always a team player. Win as a team lose as a team
Grenier and my mother (Kathy) struck a deal many years ago - he would do all the hardwood flooring in our house in exchange for a lifetime of free haircuts ... If you knew my mom - you knew that as a hairstylist she never worked on Sundays or Mondays no matter what - except for Grenier !! He was the only one who could come marching into the house on a Sunday morning and demand a hair cut - my mom just couldn't say no to him because he had a charm. Whether it was 7am on Sunday morning he needs a haircut for a job interview or 10pm on a Saturday night and he's going on a date with a girl he always managed to talk my mom into cutting his hair no matter what "her rules" were - he wasn't much of one to follow rules anyway but neither was I which is probably why we got along so great!!
Over the years of walking into hockey rinks I rarely hear the sounds of hockey because I can still hear Nicole yelling at the referees !! Whenever I was in net and concentrating on the game - I would be crouched over a bit and just focusing
on the game ... Nothing ever broke my concentration except for one thing ... Nicole yelling at the refs has been to this day - the only thing that ever broke my concentration because I couldn't help but laugh sometimes - when both teams are hating each other really intense game then I look over and see Nicole losing her shit I couldn't help but wonder what she would be like when she was really mad at Mike outside of hockey ... He always bragged about being scared of nothing - except for his mom!! Rightfully so
The Royal Flush
One night while we were playing poker at Shane and Nicole grandpa Joe may have been there for it I got a legit royal flush on the 4th card and totally slow played it and suckered everybody into the pot - making it look like I wasn't sure what to do giving false body language... If I remember correctly uncle Ron was super fascinated the rest of the night and shook my hand about 15 times because he had never seen one live - and neither had Grenier up until that point but I eliminated half the table with that one hand so I was feeling pretty good about myself .... For years afterwards - whenever mike and I argued about something or were talking about stats in hockey the only way I could get him to shut up was by referencing the royal flush "hey Mike remember that royal flush " "yeah" - "this is one of those moments where you need to shut the F up and listen to me"
It was amazing - all you needed to get him to listen was make a reference to the royal flush - it was that easy - haha - so for many years I had friends ask me "why does he only listen to you" and for some reason I'm still unable to fully answer that question. Perhaps he was the brother I never had and always wanted. We got along like brothers - we argued like brothers. I do feel a great part of me is missing - like missing an arm or a leg - anytime I feel sad about him being gone I run thru some of those awesome memories and it's brings life back into me. I know that I'm not alone - my family's love and condolences is forever lasting to Mike's family and loved ones. It has been an honor and privilege to call him my friend. I'm not sure how to end what I have to say because theres always more stories to be told... His last message to me was on Xmas day wishing my family and I a merry Christmas and I said to myself I'll talk to him on New year's because we always talked on New year's no matter what. His last message to me came from a place of love and that's something that I will hold dear and close to my heart for the rest of my days.
Thank you for taking the time to read this passage. I hope some of these memories I have of mike provide a bit of insight and humor for those who were closest to him.
RIP my friend
Sincerely,
Chris Poulin
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Lyn Warner uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 4, 2021
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Dear Michel, Our time together was way too short but I'm glad I had you in my life. You helped me get out of my quiet shell, to enjoy life more and to try new things. We had two wonderful pups together, your fur daughters (Storm and Nala). You were energetic, talkative and I know that you cared deeply for me and my kids. I will always love you. Storm just joined you in heaven and I hope you are enjoying late nights and bonfires together. Miss you babe....
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Ciji Mathews posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
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R.i.p Micho, my condolences again to Nicole Shane and all the family and friends. you've been gone over a month now seems like I just seen and talked to u yesterday and then other days feels like so much longer. I miss u so much my boy. Cheers til we meet again your long time bestie Ciji xo
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Tom & Chantal Babuik posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, January 24, 2021
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Our Deepest Condolences go out to the Grenier Family I had the pleasure to coach Micheal for 3 seasons Micheal brought much intensity to the game of hockey this game was his passion and it showed in each shift he played.
No matter if we were loosing or winning Micheal would always have positive words for his teammates.
His sense of humour would always bring laughter to the dressing room which made my job as his defence coach that much easier
Micheal you left us to early my Friend but you will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace my Friend.
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Philip Jago posted a condolence
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family; Mike brought a certain joie de vivre to every hockey game that he played and he played with intensity and passion. Rest in peace, Mike. Philip and Diane Jago and family
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The Barry Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
All our very deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of Mike. Gone way too soon. Kelvin (Coach), Marco (teammate) and the Barry family
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Evelyne Anderson posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Nicole Shane
Michel left us much too soon. He was a big part of my family growing up and created many memories which will never be forgotten.
Remember his smile and the good times. Our deepest condolences.
Evelyne, Brian and family
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France Rollin posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
To Lyn and FAMILY. Mes sincères condoléances, mes pensées sont avec vous.
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Pauline uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 18, 2021
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Shelley and Dwayne Sawyer posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
Nicole, Shane and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love.
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Debbie Hodgins posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
Nicole, Shane & family
My deepest condolences on your loss.
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Debbie Hodgins posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss our deepest condolences Nichole, Shane and family.
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Marie wedly dacamara posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Can't believe I'm writing this !
I thought we would had more time with you old friend. Thank you for being a good friend when we were younger . Ill miss hearing your voice and you asking me to make you some haitian food. Until we meet again old friend !
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Tina posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Nicole Shane and family, our hearts are with you. Brian Tina
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Julie Aucoin posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Mes plus grandes sympathies à toute la famille, conjointe et amis. Nous gardons plusieurs beaux souvenirs de lui. Nos weekends passés au chalet, son fameux jerk chicken, sa facilité à nous faire rire et nous divertir. Repose en paix chum, on s’ennuie de toi mais nous allons jamais t’oublier. Marc et Julie aka chum et chumette xoxox
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Eddie, Michelle, Mackenzie and Connor Nock posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Nicole and Shane, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you at this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories you had with Michel. Remember that our love ones are never gone, they live within our hearts!! Hugs and kisses to you both. Eddie, Michelle, Mackenzie and Connor Nock
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Graziella. Anne Marie posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Nos plus sincères condoléances Nicole ainsi qu'à toute la famille
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Josée et Michel Laplante posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Nos plus sincères condoléances Nicole et Shane ainsi que la famille. Nos pensées sont avec vous.❤
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Annette Anthony posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, January 16, 2021
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Lyn and family - I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy and will be missed. All my love to you.
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Chantal &Ben posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Dear Nicole, uncle Ernie, all our cousins,
May you find courage and strength through the love of family and friends to help you through these difficult times. Our most sincere condolences
Chantal & Ben
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Peter and Denise posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.
Peter and Denise 1099
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Lise Caron posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Mes plus sincères sympathies Nicole, Shane et la famille. Time will ease your pain. Lise C.
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Diane Fitton posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Nicole and Shane - I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine your grief. Please know that you have many friends and family members to lean on during this difficult time, including me. Such a handsome young man! Take care, your friend Diane Fitton.
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Mathieu de coeli posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, January 15, 2021
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I have known Michel for many years and we used to play ice hockey together at the Bernard Grand Master Arena. He was one of the guys who would advertise for the team before the game and he was always ready to laugh. I remember playing dodgeball at Montfort Elementary School with him games got pretty sirius at times. On ski trips where we would challenge each other to jump off the ski lift. I'm sure Phil remembers that.
Michel, you're going to miss RIP. I would like to offer my condolences to all his family.
Mathieu de Coeli
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Denis Proulx posted a condolence
Friday, January 15, 2021
Sincères condoléances Nicole et famille. Nos prières sont avec vous.
Dénis et Michelle Proulx
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The family of Michel Grenier uploaded a photo
Friday, January 15, 2021
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