With saddened and heavy hearts, we share that Grade 12 student Sébastien Ritchot passed away on November 23 at the young age of 17.
Following in his late father’s footsteps (René Ritchot - Alumnus from the Class of 1989), Sébastien eagerly started at St. Paul’s in 2018, where he studiously worked towards his goals of becoming a Gold Honour Roll student and a doctor.
Being francophone, practicing and continuing use of the French language was important to Sébastien – he took Advanced French at St. Paul’s and would often lean on Monsieur Ray Comeault for additional practice.
Mr. Comeault shared, “Sébastien was an old soul – he lived in the city and would do the cooking and grocery shopping for his brother. He loved to fish with his mom, play bingo and work part-time at Canadian Tire. He was an introvert – he was intellectual and worked hard. He touched so many around him.”
Sébastien’s obituary depicts the remainder of his time at St. Paul’s:
“Sébastien was an incredible student with an incredible drive to succeed…Sebby wanted nothing more than to be the best of the best and dedicated so much of his time to be the most successful he could be.”
Sébastien was a true magis-driven leader.
In his Grade 12 year, he served as a member of the Student Pastoral Committee and the Maroon & White Society, where he was Deputy Mass Coordinator. Sébastien worked closely with Fr. Boutilier S.J. to organize mass set-ups, tear-downs, and arrange all of the members/volunteers for liturgies.
Hans Alday ’22, Mass Coordinator for the 2021-2022 Maroon & White Society, shares:
“Sébastien was committed to being a man for and with others. He would drop whatever he was doing to be of service to someone. As his partner for Mass Coordination, I could see that whenever he was serving others, he would do so with selflessness, passion, determination, and abundant love.”
Donovan Martin ’22 & Matthew Stipanovic ’22 add:
“Seb was a magnanimous soul, he always helped others, and he cared about plants and the natural world. And he was funny. Our world is bleaker without him – we miss him dearly”.
If anyone so desires, donations can be made in Sébastien’s name to St Paul’s High School as the family has decided to raise funds for a bursary in his honour. To contribute, visit https://www.stpauls.mb.ca/giving/giving_form/ and select “Sébastien Ritchot ’22 Memorial Bursary” or contact Ms. Darla Hooker, Director of Advancement at dhooker@stpauls.mb.ca.
St. Paul’s High School prays for the repose of the soul of Sébastien Ritchot and the consolation of his family.
Rest in Peace, dear Sébastien.
A tribute page & video has been created for Sébastien, please visit:
