Remembering Étienne Béland: Family and Friends Gather to Honor His Life in Howick, Quebec

 The Howick, Quebec, community is mourning the passing of Étienne Béland, who died on August 10, 2026, at just 19 years old. His unexpected death has brought deep sorrow to his parents, sister, grandparents, relatives, friends, and everyone who had the opportunity to share part of his life. For a family preparing to watch a young man grow into adulthood, his absence has created an especially painful void.

Étienne was the son of Marc Béland and Nadyne Leboeuf and a beloved brother to Janie. He was also cherished by his grandmother Huguette, godfather Sylvain, godmother Fannie, extended relatives, cousins, and close friends. His relationships with those around him formed an important part of his life, and the many people now gathering to remember him reflect how deeply he was valued within his family and community.

According to obituary details provided by the family, Étienne died following an accident on August 10. Further circumstances have not been publicly provided, allowing his loved ones to maintain a measure of privacy while they navigate the first difficult days of grief. At 19, Étienne was still at the beginning of adulthood, with countless possibilities, experiences, and dreams ahead of him. His sudden passing has made those unrealized possibilities particularly difficult for those closest to him.

For his family and friends, however, Étienne’s life cannot be defined by the circumstances of his final day. The memories created through family gatherings, conversations, shared laughter, friendships, and everyday moments will become an important part of how he is remembered. Those seemingly ordinary experiences often become especially meaningful when someone is unexpectedly taken away, providing loved ones with reminders of the person they knew rather than simply the circumstances of their passing.

The family will have an opportunity to honor Étienne together with friends and members of the wider community on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at Stéphane Gendron Funeral Complex in Beauharnois. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at St-Clément Church, with burial afterward at the parish cemetery. The gathering will provide those who loved him with an opportunity to say goodbye and support one another.

A particularly personal tribute will also give mourners a way to express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. A basket will be placed near Étienne’s coffin so family members, friends, and other mourners can write personal messages for him. Those messages will accompany him as a lasting expression of affection, remembrance, and farewell, creating a deeply personal collection of thoughts from the people whose lives he touched.

As Howick and surrounding communities remember Étienne, his family is facing the difficult days ahead with the support of relatives, friends, and neighbors. Marc, Nadyne, Janie, Huguette, Sylvain, Fannie, and the entire Béland family remain in the thoughts of those mourning alongside them. Étienne’s life may have been far too short, but the memories he created will continue through everyone who knew and loved him. His name, stories, and place within the family will remain cherished for years to come.