Family wants to keep Riley Valcin’s memory alive after Grande Roue reopens

The reopening of Montreal’s Grande Roue last month was a reminder of the day everything changed for the Valcin family.

The popular tourist attraction in Montreal’s Old Port reopened in February for the first time since a 22-year-old man was killed while working on Christmas Day.

More than 10 weeks after the accident, the family of Riley Valcin desperately want to keep his memory alive.

“I’m using all the help I can get to find a way to make his name be remembered forever,” said Joey Valcin, Riley’s brother.

“And I know that this won’t bring my brother back. But I think that at least I can see the smile on my parents’ face, the relief when they hear good things about Riley.

“I think that we’re doing him justice by making his memory, by keeping his memory alive.”

READ MORE: Man who died in Christmas Day ferris wheel accident remembered as driven, loving friend

Riley Valcin was as a civil engineering student at Polytechnique University. His loved ones say he was a driven, charismatic and loving man who was always ready to help others and lift people’s spirits. They say he was also a great basketball player.

Joey Valcin says his family remains devastated.

“My dad is arriving today (Sunday). He travelled to Haiti for a month, because he needed peace of mind. He needed the time to heal. My mom, I have been supporting her with the best of my ability and she hasn’t worked since the incident happened.”

Joey and Riley were born in Haiti. The family moved to Canada in 2004, when Riley was five years old.

Joey described his brother as someone who wanted the best for people around him.

“He always was loyal to you,” said Joey. “He always wanted the best for you. He was always courageous.”

The re-opening of the Grande Roue has been difficult for those close to Riley – and others in the community.

Several people have commented the hashtag #justiceforriley on many of the Grande Roue’s Instagram posts since the Christmas Day accident.

“A lot of people feel sad,” said Joey. “Some of them are frustrated and I understand them.”

Joey says his family still does not have answers on what happened that day.

Quebec’s workplace safety board said in a statement: “The CNESST authorized the reopening provided that the employer and the workers respect the temporary measures put in place to eliminate the danger of wedging and entrainment.”

An investigation by the CNESST is ongoing.

The Grande Roue declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.

“Riley’s death made me realize that life is short,” said his brother. “So we need to really live well and make sure that we have the kind of impact that we want on others.”

Riley Valcin will be posthumously awarded a medal at the National Assembly in the coming months.