People Profile I : Gilles and Kevin Lafreniere

Sometimes too much emphasis is placed on objects or projects and not enough on the people involved, therefore I decided that every so often I would profile the gals and guys who have been involved in the 696 Project.  The order in which these personal profiles appear are totally random. To be included in the People Profile, the person selected had to been involved in the 696 Project post 2005, secondly I would have to have a good photo of them.  (Jim, don't hold your breath!)

So the first name to be drawn from the hat...is...Gilles and Kevin Lafreniere????

The father and son team of Gilles and Kevin Lafreniere

 

Yes, I realize that Gilles and Kevin are two names...but I do not think I ever saw one without seeing the other. 

Kevin, a transit bus enthusiast was the first to join after attending the Open Doors** display at OC Transpo's St Laurent garage back in June 2005.  The show not only featured OTC 696 but also a bunch of Ottawa transit buses.  Kevin thought, "it would be nice to see 696 on the streets again." pretty much sums up the reason for him joining the group.   

At the time of joining Kevin was a student studying to become computer system technician.  Kevin involves himself in helping with all the prep work, riveting, organizing the paper work and reluctantly helping when heavy things need to be lifted!

Lafreniere "No.2" joined  not because of his great love of streetcars but more because he had to be there anyways.  Gilles had to drive his son Kevin to the 696 shed after Kevin joined the group.  Rather than go home and then return to retrieve Kevin, Gilles just stayed and helped out as a general labourer. 

Also both Gilles and Kevin look after OTC 905 the groups other streetcar.  This car is parked outside behind the 696 car barn with an extra roof to protect it from the elements.  Gilles and Kevin put in a ton of work cleaning the car, adding paint and getting the 905's headlight operational.  OTC 905 can be seen from Belfast Road and in the evening with the headlight glowing, 905 looks as if she is ready to depart on another run. 

Gilles & Kevin riding TTC Red Rocket 4600           Photo by Bruce Dudley

Gilles is a retired library technician from the RCMP and brings to the group his vast knowledge of World War history and his sense of humour.  Famous quote,"I'm the good looking one of the two."

I'll let the readers be the judge.


NOTE :  Open Doors** for those who may not be familiar with event, it is a weekend when the water works, heating plants, churches, homes, railway stations, service facilities, garages and other institutions all over the city open their doors to the general public.  Ottawa this year had over 100 places where one could come and have "a look-see".