by Paul Cowley
Red Deer Advocate
The body of a Sylvan Lake man missing since June in Colorado has been recovered from the creek where he was last seen.
Sean Duplessis, 39, went missing after wading into Clear Creek west of Denver on June 7. The father of two had been in Colorado on business and was with a co-worker when they went into the creek around midnight. The friend got out, but Duplessis disappeared and extensive searching failed to locate him.
Colorado media reported last Tuesday that fishermen had found Duplessis’ body on Sunday nearly 30 km downstream from where he went missing.
“We’re just happy we’re going to be able to bring him home,” said Sean’s mother Judy Duplessis of Benalto.
“I guess this way we get some closure at least. It’s better than not knowing.”
Sean will be brought back to Alberta soon and will be laid to rest in Eckville near his brother James, who died in 2011 of pneumonia.
Dozens of people have left heartfelt messages of condolence on a Facebook page set up for Sean.
“He was a really good man,” said Judy. “He was the best dad in the world. He was a wonderful son. He had lots and lots of friends and people cared about him.”
A message on the Facebook page thanks supporters.
“Thank you for everyone’s efforts, prayers, thoughts as we had thousands of likes and shares we were able to locate him and bring him home,” said the entry last Tuesday.
Duplessis was a father to two children, a daughter aged 9 and a son 16. He grew up in Sylvan Lake and worked for Abel Corp. out of Lacombe. He was in Colorado to get a new shop up and running for the company.
Funeral arrangements will be posted on the Facebook page when available.