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Local music legend passes

Played with the Laurentian Valley Boys
mathieu, rene 2016
Rene Mathieu sang and played fiddle with Vic Virgili and the Laurentian Valley boys.

Well known local country singer Rene Mathieu has passed away. 

He was living at Water’s Edge Care Community and died Tuesday, July 26, at the age of 96. 

Mathieu had a long and varied musical career starting with his own radio show in Parry Sound at the age of 19.

He then moved to North Bay where he joined Vic Virgili and the Laurentian Valley Boys. 

Rene was with the band for over 50 years during which time he sang and played both fiddle and guitar as the band performed in North Bay and all around the surrounding area.  

They could be heard on the radio every Saturday night for years, followed by a 10 year run on local television CKGN, later CFCH. 

The band also backed up every famous musical act that appeared in North Bay during that time, including Faron Young, Webb Pierce and Hank Snow. 

Mathieu was also part of a group of local musicians who donated their time to play at the Golden Age Club, Casselholme and the jail. 

"He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man," his family says in his obituary.  "He always gave of himself without question and will be dearly missed."

He was predeceased by his wife Noreen, son Marc.

 A visitation will be held on Tuesday August 23,from 1 to 3 p.m. at McGuinty Funeral Home in North Bay.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family. 

Condolences may be made online.

Hear Rene Mathieu sing and play fiddle with the Laurentian Valley Boys on the video below.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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