Leo and Mary-Lou Arseneau remembered by friends after fatal plane crash

People are paying homage to the three victims of last week’s plane crash south of Sudbury.

OPP have confirmed the identities of two of the deceased as Leo Arseneau, 64, and his wife, Mary-Lou Arseneau, 65.

The third victim’s name is being held by police pending further post-mortem results.

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At first, Brenda Carr-Broglio couldn’t believe the news that two people she knew all her life were gone.

“It’s a real sadness to lose someone like that,” she said.

“They can’t be replaced.”

Carr-Broglio said Leo and Mary-Lou were flying to Florida last week to meet with family and friends.

However, the couple never made it to their final destination as their Piper plane experienced engine problems when it took off. The plane crashed in the French River Provincial Park.

Now that Carr-Broglio has confirmation of the deaths, she’s reflecting on the couple’s lives.

“You know, Leo just had that warm smile and he had a little smirk that revealed his funny and witty side to him,” she said.

“They were both a very devoted couple.”

‘Lived life to the fullest’

Sudbury lawyer Michael Mensour knew Leo Arseneau for over 35 years and said his friend lived life to the fullest.

“Leo loved life and lived it to the fullest. Mostly, he loved his family and his wife Mary-Lou,” he said.

“The dedication and care he provided to his ailing wife while continuing to practice law was incredible. It was emblematic of his humanity.”

Roy Sullivan, a fellow lawyer, also knew the couple for 20 years. He and Leo used to play golf together.

“Just a good, good guy, all around guy,” he said.

As friends and families prepare to say their final goodbyes, the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.