A Lakeshore Canadiens player killed in a crash last week will be remembered on Thursday.
Public visitation for Sylvain "Sly" Lessard will take place on Thursday at the Banwell Road location of Windsor Chapel Funeral Home.
Visitation will take place in three sessions, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cremation will follow.
Lessard, 20, died on the evening of October 24, when the SUV he was driving collided with a semi-truck on County Road 42 west of Patillo Road in Lakeshore. Lessard was returning home from hockey practice.
"Over the years he played for many teams but most recently was a player of the Leamington Flyers, Wheatley Omstead Sharks, and the Lakeshore Canadiens," read the obituary provided by the funeral home. "He was known for his hard work ethic, cooking skills, and kind heart. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, kayaking, and playing golf."
Lessard was a graduate of L'Essor Secondary School in Tecumseh, and graduated from the Powerline Technician program at St. Clair College's Chatham campus. He was working for Windsor Power and Light.
He is survived by his parents and stepmother, a brother and step-sister, his girlfriend, and numerous relatives, friends, and teammates.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Lessard's memory to Knobby’s Kids, a program that helps kids play hockey who otherwise can't afford to join a league.
The truck driver involved in the crash, 46-year-old Muhammad Asif Khan, remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
A GoFundMe page was set up for Lessard's family to cover funeral expenses. As of Tuesday afternoon, it raised over $31,000, surpassing its goal. A page was also set up for Khan's family, and it has raised over $39,000 so far.