Page 22 - Nov-Dec 2023

OBITUARY

Ron Toivonen, North Pole Trim & Supplies

t is with sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of
Icolleague and friend, Ron Toivonen who passed away on December
4, 2023. Ron was a long time owner/operator of North Pole Trim
and Supplies in London before passing ownership to his sons, Board
member Eric and brother Mike. Ron’s health began declining early
last week. His final days were surrounded by family and filled with an
abundance of love.
A $100 donation on behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at
LBMAO was made to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners in lieu of
flowers.
Visitation was held on Friday, December 8, 2023 Northview Funeral
Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. The funeral service was
held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Our thoughts are with Eric, Mike and the Toivonen family during this
difficult time.

...Hardlines Conference continued
the largest population hub (Prince George) move to find employment. The main bridge across North America and as far as the U.K.
over 2 hours away. In 2005, motivated by connecting the town to the main part of the Customers often ask when their next video
a frustration with a lack of products and province was closed, causing extreme supply will be coming out.
services in the area, long-time residents chain difficulties. The lack of services (dentist, Mackenzie’s tight-knit community has
Sylvain and Marilyne Laferriere decided that medical services, etc.) in town has caused enabled the Laferrieres to build a successful
they wanted to be a solution to the problem. locals to drive to Prince George. While they business because they love their town. They
The Laferrieres purchased an existing are there, they purchase building supplies have adapted to the lumber and building
business in town and gutted and renovated and hardware. The Laferrieres have worked materials business in their own unique way.
the store to fit their needs. They gradually to expand their offerings and have added They have been able to connect with the
began to add products like plumbing, bath, a garden centre and other services to keep residences of Mackenzie, putting the fun in
sinks and fixtures, basic electrical and lighting people shopping local. retail fundamentals, despite the challenges
and then lumber and building supplies. In Engaging with their local community is the business has faced.
May of 2006, the store was renamed Victory essential for the Laferrieres, who love their Be sure to check out some of their funny
Building Centre Ace. town. It’s also an important aspect of their videos on Facebook.
The town of Mackenzie has had several business model. Social media has been
problems since then. The main employer especially successful for the store. Sylvain and
in the town (a forestry mill) has shut down, Marilyne have used Facebook to create funny
forcing many of the town’s residents to and educational videos that have been shared

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Home Hardware .......................................................................................15
National Forest Products ......................................................................17
Atlas Polar ......................................................................................................5 Nicholson and Cates Limited ................................inside back cover
Best Distribution .........................................................................................7 Nu-Forest Products (Canada) Inc. .........................................................8
Canada Fastening Corporation .....................................................12,13 Polytarp Products ................................................................................................11
Castle Building Centres Group ..........................outside back cover Sellick Equipment ..................................................................................................9
Gillfor ..............................................................................inside front cover TIMBER MART ........................................................................................................19

22 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2023 www.lbmao.on.ca