Scott Campbell
Scott Campbell
SHAWVILLE – “Every customer is treated as a friend,” were the words of Richard Filion written in a Pontiac Journal article in 2010 when R. Filion & F. Laflamme Pharmacie on Victoria Avenue (photo) had been awarded by the Proxim company for its ‘outstanding standards, values, social responsibility and adherence to agreements and attributes of the company.’
Tragically, Filion, 49, and his wife, Manon Aubin, 47, were killed in an early morning head-on collision on Highway 148 near Luskville in the Municipality of Pontiac, May 13. According to reports, the west-bound Lincoln SUV in which the couple were riding collided with a Ford F-150 truck that seemed to have crossed over from the other lane. The two were rushed to the Hull hospital but were both pronounced dead on arrival. The woman driving the truck was also taken to the hospital, where she was in critical condition. The police have not officially released her name as of press time, but investigators are theorizing fatigue or distraction played a factor in the crash.
“We are all devastated by the loss of Filion and Aubin. I don’t know how many times I was helped by his advice or felt like everything was going to be okay when he answered my questions. Their generosity and caring for our community cannot be measured, but will most certainly be missed,” said Rhonda Morrison in a Facebook post. It was a sentiment many people appeared to agree with, as Morrison’s words received over 105 ‘likes’ on the social media site.
According to the Pontiac Archives, in 1992, Filion and his late partner, Francois Laflamme, took over the pharmacy location from Charles Jean. Filion’s wife, Manon, was one of three lab technicians to be hired and the business’ doors opened in August of that year. In 1997, the store expanded to 3,000 square feet, nearly double the size of what it used to be.
Although, Filion and his wife will be missed in the community, the business they opened and grew over 22 years will be something to remember them by.
