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Angus pays tribute to Battochio in House of Commons

Funeral being held today
2018-11-07 Lou and Charlie SUP
Lou Battochio and Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus at the McIntyre Coffee Shop. Angus shared this photo on Facebook over the weekend after learning Battochio had passed away.

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus paid tribute to Lou Battochio in the House of Commons this week.

Battochio, a longtime Schumacher resident, died Saturday. He was 91.

Well known in the community, he was often affectionately referred to as the 'mayor of Schumacher'. He sat on city council for 25 years, was a founding member of Schumacher Minor Hockey, a Camp Bickell director, and was inducted into the Timmins Sports Hall of Fame. 

Yesterday, in the House of Commons, Angus said Battochio's story is the story of the Porcupine.

"His Italian immigrants came to the mining town of Schumacher. Lou spent many years as a rink rat at the Mac...He was a coach, referee, teacher, community organizer and politician," said Angus. 

He said Battochio tried to make the world a better place.

"He held court every day at the McIntyre Coffee Shop and loved talking politics...whether it was municipal or Donald Trump. I loved talking with Lou and his wonderful wife Cecile. They dedicated themselves to the community," he said. 

To honour Battochio's memory, the flags at City of Timmins buildings have been flying half-mast since Saturday. The Timmins Rock also held a moment of silence in his honour at their game Saturday.

A funeral service is being held today (Nov. 7) at Sacred Heart Church at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Timmins Memorial Cemetery.