Meteghan Centre, N.S. – Marc Robichaud, a fifth-generation retailer for UJ Robichaud TIM-BR MART in Metaghan Centre, N.S. passed away last week at the age of 36 after a short but courageous battle with lymphoma. Robichaud was known as a leader among the next generation of Canadian hardware/home improvement dealers, and in 2009 was named National Retail Hardware Association Retail Innovator of the Year in the “green marketing” category. Always on the cutting edge of technological and environmental trends in retailing, Robichaud was committed to operating eco-friendly businesses. Under his leadership, UJ Robichaud’s second location, opened last summer in Church Point, N.S., was a model of environmental sustainability.
Aside from his dedication to the environment, Marc Robichaud was also dedicated to the hardware/home improvement retailing industry. He started helping out at his family’s hardware store at age 14, eventually working in all areas of the business, including lumberyard, delivery fleet, mill, store counter and office.
He was heavily involved with his community and served on the board of directors of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association from 2002 to 2005. He also served as president of the Chambre de commerce de Clare from 2005 to 2010 and as Vice President of the Conseil de development de la Nouvelle-Ecosse from 2008 to 2009. He was also a current board member of the local Caisse Populaire de Clare and was on the financial committee of the local radio station, CIFA.
Robichaud loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed traveling. He also loved fiddle music, step dancing, archery and camping. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Wotherspoon, to whom he proposed on Christmas Eve in hospital. They held a symbolic wedding at Robichaud’s bedside on January 10 before he passed away. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.
For more information, contact:
Catherine Brownlow
Communications Manager
TIM-BR MARTS Ltd.
604-598-5474
cbrownlow@irly.ca