Crazy Al Memorial
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Crazy Al : 1965 - 2005


Crazy Al waves his arms like a great musical conductor. He presides over all his guests from the balcony, and does everything in his power to help us have a fun holiday. His spirit will remain. This wonderful photo just arrived in my e- mail over night. The photographer's name will not appear, by request. If you have a photo of Al this winter, or at any time, please share it with us. zen@zenwaiter.com / all photos on this web site are Copyright. It is illegal to reproduce them without the permission of Zenwaiter.com.

 

Friday April 8th 2005, 7 AM

It has now been nine days since I hear the first reports of a fire at the Refuge, and that the boys were missing. Since that time, I have spoken to hundreds of Al's friends, the authorities, the families, and Al's guests. It has all been very difficult and unrelenting. I have flown to the funeral, followed bulletin boards, answered e-mails the best I could, and built web pages to try and tell about Al's life. I have emptied my bank account, ignored my client's jobs, missed my sleep, and not eaten properly. I am still sick, and have managed to run myself down.

This morning I realize, that it's time to move on. I never knew how one selfish and vicious act of hate could hurt so many people. I can see where the negative energy has taken me these past days, and realize it is time to close the door on this for a while. I think the worst part is reading the bulletin boards. Everyone's mourning and sadness is turning into anger, accusations and revenge; an ugly mixture of human emotions. But as for me at this time, I have to change the channel. It's time for me to get back to work on my client's web sites, and leave all this in the hands of the Police.

I spoke to one of the investigators yesterday, and again, I was very impressed with what he had to say. Although he gave no actual details, he told me that they still had their team up in the area, and that they are working very hard. I thanked him and told him that all of us are praying for him and for the team. He was moved. It must be a terrible job. I know I couldn't do it.

So, time to move on. Time will heal all. As for me, please do not call me to ask about what is going on anymore, I have told you everything I know on these pages. Once a week or so, I will add your letters of condolence to the page you have already seen, but apart from that, stick a fork in me.... I'm all done!

And as for the village of St-Zenon, and the next snowmobile seasons to come, all of that will take care of itself. What will be will be. One thing is for certain though, this tragic event marks the end of an era, and the start of something new.

There is an old saying in Quebec that says, if you spit up into the air, it will fall on the end of your nose, and when it does, it hurts like hell! Let's just take three steps backwards, continue to pray for justice and healing, and watch our great God do his thing.

And as for you two guys, Al and Danny, we will never forget you.

zw

 

 

Wed April 6th 11 PM

I wrote this article for S.A.M. today. (Mass Snomobile Association News)

They Murdered St-Zenon's Best, on March 29th 2005,
IN COLD BLOOD

"As you can imagine, I have a lot of info, but you probably understand that
there is a serious top notch Police investigation going on as we speak, and
sharing anything to the media must be carefully considered. My web site has
many photos and some information. www.zenwaiter.com .

Alain Lasalle, AKA Crazy Al, had worked his fingers to the bone ever since I
met him in November of '99, He built a snowmobile B&B that would eventually become the
envy of the Lanaudiere Region. Although his place held only 22 people at full
capacity, Al had calculated, that with time, he could make a go of it. This
past winter, Al had really come into his own. His place was almost full
every weekend of the season, and often during the week as well. He attracted
guests from all over the US, Ontario, and Quebec, many of whom were
regulars.

Across the lake from the Refuge, is the Auberge Le Cabanon, owned by Dennis
Haineault. The day after the fire, in what is now being called a double
homicide by a special Surete du Quebec task force, Haineault was quoted in
the Journal de Montreal as saying the following...

"It (the Refuge) was not really an Auberge at all. It was only a little
'refuge' for snowmobilers who passed along the snowmobile trail."

This comment to me, and to hundreds of clients and friends of Crazy Al's, was
incorrect and misleading. In truth, the rooms were almost always full this
winter, and Al himself, was a young man rocketing to success and snowmobile
fame all over the North Eastern United States. The Refuge was a big hit
with snowmobilers everywhere. I know his rooms were popular, because I
booked most of them over the phone for Al, who's English skills were poor.

Meanwhile, Al's courage, and tenacity were legend. He would refuse to get
down about his struggle to make it, inspite of tough competitors and a
local snowmobile club that ignored him. He would simply have to prove
himself to everyone by hard work. He worked tirelessly to improve his
Auberge, and gave fantastic service to his clients. He hired his brother in
law Danny Sigoun, also killed and burned in the fire, to help with the
clients. Danny would go out every morning and start all the sleds for the
customers, and help them with things like loading and unloading from their
trailers. Danny made a huge difference this year, and judging from the
hundreds of e-mail messages I have received here since the fire of March
29th, I can see that Danny was also very well liked by the clientele.

Al was the up and comer, no doubt about it. He single handedly organized
and promoted the St-Zenon winter motorcycle races on Lake St-Louis, in the
second annual St-Zenon Ice races. He managed to attract over 10,000 people
to the area on that weekend in February, and made the cash registers of our
village come alive with that cheerful ringing sound. When Al totaled up
all the receipts, he found that he had actually lost almost $ 2,000.00 on
the races, but his initiative impressed local businessmen, and it really
showed the community that Al was doing great things for St-Zenon. His
momentum grew.

But all that hard work and good will has been destroyed by someone that
hated the Refuge. As far as we can tell, Al and Danny were shot and then
dragged back into their beds. The Refuge was then set ablaze with fire
accelerants. This is a heinous crime, the evil act of cold blooded
killers. The double murders now leave Danny's 15 year old son without a
father, and also the beautiful and innocent 10 year old Megan, without a
father. We are setting up a donation fund in their honor which we hope
will help the devastated families.

I believe that the wrath of God himself will descend from on high, and
thoroughly destroy the guilty people in this murder case; that's what I am
praying for anyways. As far as 'who done it', I personally have no idea.
There are so many things that could have happened that night. It would not
be fair to point the finger of guilt at anyone at this point. But criminal
scum have a way of snitching on each other, and that is what I am hoping
for.

I was just the marketing manager for the Refuge; I took photos and
chronicled the exciting events that Al took part in, including dirt bike
rallies in the summer. I loved Al as a friend and a client. He was always
smiling, and full of positive energy. He was King of PR, and would always
be the first to smile for the camera. I stuck his smiling mug all over the
Internet for the past five years, and he became possibly the most loved
snowmobile host in our Lanaudiere Region. The proof of this popularity, is
seen by the huge numbers of cards and e-mails and phone calls that have
deluged me and his family since last Tuesday when the deed was done.

Also, every snowmobile web site on the Internet, is now talking about Al and
Danny, in their chat rooms and on their bulletin boards.

Crazy Al was the face of Quebec snowmobiling for thousands, and he
encouraged people to ride here, in spite of the constant rumors of
snowmobile theft. People came to Canada for the first time to stay at the
Refuge, because of his charm, his sense of humor, and his great love for
everyone. They came back year after year, because he earned their business
and their respect.

"Long live your memory Crazy Al! We love you."

xoxox
Zenwaiter.

 

Wednesday April 6th 2005, 9:50 AM

I've been up since 3 AM today, answering your mail, and returning your calls. I think it's time to go get some breakfast.

When I return I will tell you about the funeral, and my visit to the site of what once was, one of the the best little snowmobile auberge in the region. I really am hoping the Police will be arresting someone soon, but I guess they need to have all their evidence lined up before they do.

back soon. must eat!

zw

 

April 5th Update (8:31pm)

Thanks for writing, and thanks for your concern over the death of Crazy Al. Yes, it appears to be a criminal investigation, and is being called a double homicide by Police authorities.

I just got home from funeral. I am exhausted, and still in shock. The Police have a special squad on it, and I have full confidence in them. (I checked them out pretty good!). I am praying they will come up with some answers.

The outpouring of letters from you readers and friends of Al, has been very strong. I'm afraid I didn't have time to answer each on personally, which is my rule usually, but right now is especially tough.

It it a shock to all of us, and it seems like the end of an era to me. St-Zenon will never be the same, and I have to re-evaluate my role in promoting it as a snowmobile destination. I'm sure, I will be reconsidering everything over the summer.

Thank you to all who have made damn sure that everyone on the Internet KNOWS about this. Awareness may put pressure, and pressure could result in some serious news research and media coverage, and that could result in a suspect.

If you think you know something, send me an e-mail. I am collecting your thoughts, and forwarding them to the Police.

God Bless our Little brother Al, he was quite the character. I am sure God is delighted to have him up there today! I think perhaps, he and the Pope are riding sled up there, together, over the clouds!

There is no speed limit in heaven, no trail pass to purchase, and the gas is free. Have fun Al!

We love you Al, and we still feel you are around us. "Exack!"

xoxox

zen (more soon on the funeral and other stuff)

Wow! Who the heck is this dude?? I am guessing 1980?? Hahaha!

Alain was a Racer... He had to go fast or he just wasn't Alive!

I asked Al often about his 10 years or so of amateur Dirt Track Racing in Quebec, and he would take me into the garage and show me all his old pictures. One by one I would have to pry the information out of him.. "Al.. which bike is this?" etc etc. When he built the new Chalet, he started pulling out all the photos of all his snowmobiles and sleds that he had ever purchased. Every one of them was photographed in a similar way, where he would kneel down to get that cool angle. As he built a solid base of customers, many would bring their own photos and Al would unceremoniously grab the stapler, whip it open, and start slamming it into the corners of the photos. He would staple the photos right onto the walls, and even the ceilings for all to see. He was so proud of all you guys that stayed at his place.

It was so cool! If Al was out, one of you sledders would answer the phone calls for him, and often times even book the rooms! HAHAH! Dr. C, after having delivered a 45 minute discourse on the evils of George W Bush, would interrupt himself, and grab the phone. "The Refuge, How may I smell you?" Then he would recognize his non political 'buddy' Gary Grouse on the other end.. "Tell Al I need one more room next weekend".

The place had turned into a family. Everybody knew everybody else, and knew the routine. If Paul the cop from Long Island brought up his wife with him, then the boys from Orange County would tone down their language! Hahah! It was most excellent. If it was an all boys weekend, then Crazy Al would drive everyone to church on a Saturday night for Mass with the Alter Girls! Hahahah!

But Al was never happy standing still. He did everything FAST! He ate fast, he walked fast, but man did he drive fast!!!! He used to love making all the guys freak out on the road back to the Refuge after a night on the town... "YES!!!" he would holler in his big Dodge diesel.. No Pwoblem!!!" How could anyone forget those life threatening moments???

But Al wasn't always playing the macho race car driver, there were times when he could be very sensitive... I just can't remember any right now! hahaha.

But when it came to speaking English! Man ! He figured he was pretty good. Unfortunately, he was the only one with this opinion. Gary Grouse would have the Fr -Eng Dictionary out on the table, and try to help Paul Kovaks communicate with Al. Then Peter Stavropoulos from Ontario would haul out a snowmobile map after the breakfast dishes were done, and ten guys would lean over it to decide where the hell they should go today. In the background, John Miceli was calling the dealer in Joliette for a few parts, while Danny would be out in the garage getting everyone's sleds warmed up.

Sharing map knowledge, helping each other with their sled and truck problems, bringing in the fire wood, sharing a room when Al was over booked, helping to do the dishes when Al was cooking alone, and scolding Al for turning on the Playboy Channel at Breakfast table.. These were some of the things the boys would do before rolling the sleds out of the garage for another glorious day. Once they were gone, Al would go up to each room and pick up after the boys, like a real Mother Hen, and make sure the empties were put away, and the rooms were clean as a whistle. Then he would load up the wood stove, and pull out the vacuum cleaner. The guy never stopped.

It is now after 3 AM on Saturday April 2nd. in 3 more hours, I will be on the first of three planes that will bring me to Montreal. From there I will rent a car, and drive north to St-Michel des Saints alone. This drive is going to be a tough one. I have driven it so many times with Al. I know every curve in that damn road, and will relive every trip we ever took together. I am not stopping at my house. I will drive straight up to St-Michel, and straight through the village to my undisclosed friend's place, where I will be warmly received and fed. I will not be visible to the public.

On Sunday morning, I have some espionage to perform that I can't talk about yet. Then the funeral at 2 PM. Apparently, Al's Dad, who insisted on making all the arrangements himself from the home his seniors home, has booked a little chapel (see my index page ) The poor guy is expecting 25 people... so he has a tiny chapel! I have the feeling we will be a few hundred strong, showing solidarity with our friend Al. I think we will spill out onto the parking lot. After an hour or so of Eulogy, in which I hope to get a spot to spout off my thoughts, but I think it will only be a family thing. The Funeral home is preparing a little "snack" for 25 people.

Then, We will invite everyone to go party in another undisclosed hall, where we can share our stories and our love for the man we so admire. Long live his memory. Long Live Crazy Al Lasalle!!!

xoxoxo

zw

On that perfect day in February 2005, God gave us memories to last us our whole Lives. Here you can really see what I have been doing for six winters. It will be my last in St-Zenon. I can't go on without Al... he was my top model... my Zenstar!! Bye Al. photo J Jaillet

zw

MORE MEMORIES FOR YOU ALL! click on the numbers.

1 Al at St-Louis Motel

2 Trail Photo

3 Mini Rider

4 Dec 27 '02

5 Dec 27 '03

6 Dec 28 '02

7 Blade Man Visit

8 Dec 27 '02

9 Dec 6 '03

10 Dec 2 '03 First Ride

11 Harricana Al!

12 Al in Chibougamau 03/04

 

 

Al was the BEST Host in the Region

This winter Al decided that he was somewhat of a chef! Communal dinners like this one at the Refuge dining room, were daily
happenings, where American, Quebecer, and Ontarian sledders could meet to share their day, and share trail conditions. This past
winter, we all agreed. Crazy Al's place was becoming a real family. Jacques Jaillet photo.

 

April 1st 12:01 AM

It's starting to get late here in BC, and I suppose I shd be exhausted, and I don't remember eating anything for a few days. I have pneumonia anyways, so eating makes me feel sick! I think my emotions are killing me! :) Nah... I'll be okay.

I must have made or received 75 calls today.. Chicago, New Your, New Jersey, PA, MD, Ontario, and more. I cried with you on the phone, I felt your anguish on the emails, and I was interviewed by the head of the Police Investigation Squad for more than an hour.

I must say that I was very impressed at the organization and effort that the Police seem to be making in this case. They seem hungry to really get at the truth. Let's hope my feeling is true. They have had a team at the Refuge, sifting through the ashes, and probably photographing everything. Luc Gregoire, the man who actually drew the plans and built the new section of the Refuge Lodge, provided architectural blueprints so that they could measure things, and comprehend where the evidence was located in the ruins, things like bullet casings, human remains, weapons, and such.

The head of the investigation, Mr Jude Joyale in Montreal, sounded calm and cool as a cucumber, when I met with him on the phone. I spoke to him for over an hour, and never cried once. I tried to give him a little background on the politics of the place, but nothing I said surprised him. He already seemed to be right up to speed. Either that, or he already had everything figured out before talking to me.

When we first started talking, I asked him right out, "Are you being paid off by someone to sweep this whole thing under the rug?" Seeing that I was only half serious, he started laughing, and said "Well, he said, If someone is paying me money to influence me, I haven't seen it yet.!" We both laughed. It broke the tension. It was nice to laugh a little, I have been crying far too much, and it is starting to annoy me.

He didn't seem to react to anything I told him.. he just seem to nod silently. I came away with the impression that he has done this kind of job before, and that made me feel really good.

St-Donat Sarah called me this evening, to share her concern over the situation, and mainly wanted to know how I was feeling. That was really nice, and her support was touching.

Rob Huckstadt, General Manager of TrailConditions.Com, (one of the largest and most influential snowmobile web sites on the Internet), informed me today, that his bulletins boards that deal with Quebec, have hit a record high in activity for this time of year, due to the overwhelming outpouring of interest in the case, and support from well wishers.

"On behalf of myself, my family, and our entire staff here at TC.COM, I want to express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims, and especially to you Zenwaiter. This crime is the worst I have ever heard of, and I hope they find the culprit. Crazy Al was a good man and deserved better. " He added that Al has been a staple on his site for years, and that he welcomed the posts added by newcomer Danny this winter.

The man in charge of the local investigation of this crime, is Sergeant LaFlame. He can be reached by phone at 1-450-833-6378. He represents the a special division of the Surete du Quebec, reserved only for major criminal investigations.

I learned a lot more today, but now I must sign off and sleep. A little Vicks Vapour Rub, one more antibiotic, and a little prayer, and I'll be off to dream land.

zw

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 31 2005 Double Homicide or Murder Suicide Say Police on TV