A tragic incident claimed the life of Xavier Landry Rousseau, a cherished 13-year-old resident of Sainte-Marie, Québec whose bright spirit and dedication touched everyone in his community and beyond. The young student and passionate karate practitioner was one of the very first to join Dojo Sonkei Ste-Marie alongside his parents beginning a journey that embodied the dojo’s core values of respect perseverance and personal growth.
His sudden passing in a devastating school bus accident while traveling with his cadets group to a competition has left the entire Chaudière-Appalaches region united in sorrow while celebrating the maturity and joy he brought to every practice and gathering.
Xavier trained diligently at Dojo Sonkei in Sainte-Marie where he quickly became a familiar and inspiring presence helping with summer camps and earning admiration from owners François Leblanc and Mélanie Bonneau who considered the family close friends. He approached every session with remarkable focus and kindness demonstrating a maturity far beyond his years that inspired younger students and strengthened the dojo’s sense of community.
As a beloved son to Renshi Pascal Landry and Valérie Gaillardetz Rousseau, Xavier shared a special closeness with his little brother Logan filling their home with laughter and shared adventures that strengthened family ties every day. He balanced his studies at Polyvalente Benoit Vachon in Sainte-Marie with his passions for karate and the cadets program approaching both with enthusiasm and a positive outlook that made him a role model for peers and younger children alike.
The devastating accident occurred on the route de la Grande-Ligne Nord in Sainte-Rose-de-Watford when the school bus skidded ending a journey that should have been filled with excitement and future achievements. Xavier was heading to a cadets competition another of his great passions and those who knew him find some comfort in knowing he was happy and doing what he loved in his final moments. The news spread quickly through Sainte-Marie prompting an outpouring of support including flowers and messages left at the school and dojo.
Xavier possessed a gentle yet determined nature that allowed him to connect deeply with family friends and training partners always ready with encouragement or a helping hand. His photogenic smile and thoughtful presence lit up every space whether at home in the dojo or during community events creating memories of warmth and positivity that now provide solace amid the grief. This balanced lifestyle centered on family growth and service highlighted a promising young life rooted in values of compassion and excellence.
