Alex Labbe’s smile was the first thing that many people noticed about him. Whether it was early in the morning or late in the afternoon, Alex had a way of making everyone enjoy themselves a little bit more.

I often saw Alex while he was holding court at his Mom’s business. As you walked in there was Alex, tucked into a corner with all of the things that a young man finds so fascinating. You could not pass by without talking to him. A video game remote firmly in hand and a desire to tell you exactly what was going on in the game and which parts of the game were his favorite.

Alex, being the only child of Peter and Judy Labbe, enjoyed being a part of his family and he enjoyed his friends. Alex joined his Father when he was working in the yard. Alex hung out with his Mom. Vacations, camping, they did it all.

Then one day in December of 2010 it all came undone. Alex lived a full life despite having a disability called Left Hyperplastic Heart Syndrome. He was born with this illness. For 13 years, Alex suffered through five open heart surgeries and more than a dozen other surgeries to help correct the issue. Add to this three strokes and it is clear that Alex had fought as hard as he could.

It was all for naught. During yet another surgery Alex developed a complication and passed away. Gone was the smile and Alex’s way of being funny. Gone was the excitement when he took part in things he liked. What could not be taken away with his passing was his spirit. His sense of making people enjoy themselves.

As Judy and Peter came to realize the world without their child, they made a commitment to make sure that Alex and all that he enjoyed could be passed on to other children. Alex often took part in the summer program run by the Parks and Recreation Department. In attending this summer camp, Alex met new people and joined old friends as fun and adventures were embarked upon. It came to be that helping children join in the fun of the summer camp would be one of the best ways to ensure Alex’s legacy.

Mary Lancaster, one of Alex’s teachers and her husband Dick, began to help raise money in order to carry on Alex’s memory. In concert with the Labbe’s the funds that were raised were enough to help send a child off to summer camp. This child and their family may not have otherwise been able afford the cost of the program, but in true Alex style they were able to take part.

Over several years, Judy and Peter worked with the Lancasters and with Tom Farrell, Brunswick’s long time head of the Park’s Department, to find worthy and needy children who could find the same joy in attending the summer program. These children, years removed from having had the chance to know who Alex was, are able to show the same excitement and joy that was once displayed on Alex’s face. Although Judy and Peter no longer have their own son to look at, his spirit is alive with numerous children around town.

Finally, the Labbe’s could rest knowing that their idea had come to a full fruition. However, watching Alex’s classmates finish out their senior year of high school and plan for college prompted them to find one more way to honor their son. The Labbe’s have created the Alex Labbe Scholarship that will be included with the Brunswick Area Student Aid Fund.

Students in Brunswick will forever be able to live Alex’s legacy while working to improve their own lives. With but one loss, so many more will win. No doubt Alex would like that.

In order to raise money for both endeavors Judy and Peter will conduct the 2nd Annual Alex Labbe Mini Golf Open at the Hopkins Golf Center on June 26. Alex loved mini golf and all of the obstacles that you had to go around to put your ball in the cup. Teams are going to battle for bragging rights as well as raising money for an outstanding cause.

This second annual open has become a real community event including friends, family and acquaintances. All coming together because of one special guy. If you want more information on how you can participate call Peter and Judy at 207-725-5380. They would love to talk to you about the effort.

That’s my two cents …

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Jonathan Crimmins lives in Brunswick can be reached at j_ crimmins@hotmail.com.