Remembering Henri
Henri was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to BC in the early 1970’s to pursue his career in music. He soon became the to “Go to Guy” to arrange and produce jingles and behind the scenes music for radio and TV.
Henri married Julie in 1979 and became the proud parents of 3 children. Marc, the youngest and only son, started Little League when he was 6 years old. Henri was a volunteer coach and in 1998, he also volunteered as President of the South Surrey White Rock Baseball Association, a position he held until 2005. In 2006, Henri immersed himself in the planning and construction of the South Surrey Baseball Training Centre. Working alongside his ‘buddies’ Carl Sloback and John Hogg, and many more volunteers, this beautiful center was erected.
Henri became the face of the annual July long weekend Mini 8’s tournament held at Centennial Park in White Rock. Sitting in his Hawaiian shirt, above the concession stand, he would simultaneously announce, play cool music, score keep, and nickname the eight-year-old players on all the teams. For so many children, participating in the Annual WRSSBA Mini 8’s Tournament, was the highlight of their baseball lives.
Henri was in great demand around the league, with all age groups and districts. He was an advocate and supporter of the Challenger Baseball Association which was created so kids with disabilities could play the game he so loved.
Henri lost his battle with cancer on November 6, 2015.
He brought music, laughter, and a lot of fun to each and every game. He left all of us with great memories on and off the field.
Thank you, Henri!
2019
The 4th Annual Henri Lorieau Memorial Tournament was another tremendous success, helping to further strengthen the legacy Henri created for our baseball community.
A team of volunteers, including the entire Lorieau family once again helped organize the annual WRSSBA 8U tournament, which maintains the theme of ‘competitive fun’. All funds raised from the Tournament are donated by WRSSBA to the BC Cancer Society and the Challenger Program, on behalf of the Lorieau family.
The Opening Ceremonies and ceremonial first pitch – a perfect strike thrown by Julie Lorieau – took place on the first day of the tournament. This year included the Challenger Division participating in the ceremonies and playing a feature game, which immediately followed the ceremonies. It was an opportunity for all the participants to be a part of the tournament and showcase the program for the community.
Saturday and Sunday games saw round robin play completed, with the results determining the seeding for Monday’s Championship round.
Monday started with Coquitlam outlasting Whalley in the first Consolation game, with White Rock defeating West Vancouver in the other Consolation match.
In the first Semi Final game, Langley put up a spirited battle against an undefeated New Westminster team, eventually going down to defeat by a 9-5 score. The second Semi Final had everyone on the edge of their seats with Hastings edging out Mt. Seymour 12-11 in a match that ended with a walk off hit in the bottom of the last inning. Langley then edged out Mt. Seymour to capture the Bronze Medal.
The Championship game featured the same two teams as last year, with New Westminster getting revenge for last year’s loss. New Westminster’s bats came alive early and often, proving too much for the Hastings team, with the game ending in a multiple run deficit, and New Westminster taking the celebratory run around the diamond with the Trophy and sporting their ‘Henri Lorieau Moustaches’ for the winning team’s picture.
It was another great tournament, with perfect weather and a great atmosphere for the entire weekend. Thanks to all participants for keeping the spirit of ‘competitive fun’ alive and well at Centennial Ball Park.
2018
Mondays games saw White Rock out last Whalley, 10-8 in one Consolation game while Langley edged Coquitlam 11-6 in the other Consolation match.
The Semi Final games saw New Westminster top Mt. Seymour 12-3, and Hastings sneak by West Vancouver 13-12 in a hard fought match that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final out. West Vancouver then played Mt. Seymour, to land them the Bronze Medal with an 11-4 victory.
The Gold Medal game featured Hastings and New Westminster, both with unbeaten records of 4-0 coming into the Championship Final. The game went back and forth, with Hastings, behind some outstanding defensive play, eventually emerging with a 7-3 victory and the Gold Medal.
2017
Congratulations to the 2009 White Rock Tritons for capturing the crown in the 2nd Annual Henri Lorieau tournament.
Thank you to the Lorieau family, John Hogg, and all the volunteers for making the tournament a great success.
