Banff mourns violent slaying of well-known resident described as caring and gentle

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Banff is mourning the loss of life of a younger man identified to his associates as ‘candy child Ethan’ whereas attempting to understand how somebody so caring and mild might be murdered.

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Bunny Julius, the proprietor of Melissa’s Missteak, the place Enns-Goneau labored as a bartender, mentioned his daughter’s boyfriend was with Enns-Goneau when he was killed early Friday.

The 2 had stepped into the Dancing Sasquatch bar on Banff Avenue for a drink earlier than Enns-Goneau left to make use of the washroom.

Minutes later, he was concerned in a confrontation inside the lavatory, the place he was stabbed a number of occasions, mentioned Julius. His pal and a doorman on the bar bumped into the washroom, the place Julius mentioned the pal carried out CPR on Enns-Goneau till first responders arrived. Enns-Goneau later died at Mineral Springs Hospital.

Enns-Goneau, 26, was born and raised within the Alberta resort city. Julius mentioned he’s by no means identified his worker to have been in a combat, and stays shocked by what occurred.

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He understands the 2 males had been contained in the membership for lower than three minutes, not sufficient time for any battle to develop.

“It’s simply unbelievable,” mentioned Julius. “We simply couldn’t consider that this might occur, particularly to him.”

On Saturday, RCMP mentioned John-Christopher Arrizza, 22, of Banff, has been charged with second-degree homicide in Enns-Goneau’s loss of life. He has been remanded into custody and is to seem in Canmore court docket subsequent Wednesday.

Mounties couldn’t verify the occasions of early Friday morning as their investigation continues.

Julius doesn’t know Arrizza, or how lengthy he has been on the town.

Banff definitely knew Enns-Goneau.

He was well-known round city, performed rugby and soccer whereas in highschool and was a goaltender in minor hockey. He was into experiencing all the outside needed to provide, like many who stay there.

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His dad and mom and brother nonetheless name Banff dwelling.

Enns-Goneau labored at Melissa’s for 13 years, beginning out as a busboy and turning into a server when he turned 18. He had been bartending there for the previous 4 to 5 years.

“He was a cheerful particular person on a regular basis, essentially the most non-conflicting particular person I do know,” mentioned Julius.

The Banff Bears Rugby Membership mentioned in an announcement that whereas Enns-Goneau not performed rugby, “he was a fixture on the sidelines, supporting the membership and his associates from the stands.

“His loss is felt not solely by the membership however all through your entire group,” the membership mentioned.

Melissa King met Enns-Goneau 5 years in the past after they labored collectively at Melissa’s Missteak and mentioned associates referred to as him Candy Child Ethan.

“If you happen to met Ethan, even simply briefly, he would have handled you want his greatest pal,” King wrote in an announcement she deliberate to learn at a vigil Saturday evening amongst associates in Banff.

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“I’ve by no means met anybody who held human decency in the next regard than him. Ethan at all times did the best factor. He cared extra about his household and associates than he did about himself and he made positive all of us knew how cherished we had been each single day.”

James Fraser, the director of media and advertising and marketing for the Banff Hospitality Collective which runs the Dancing Sasquatch, mentioned the enterprise is co-operating with the RCMP investigation and dealing with Bow Valley Sufferer Providers to supply help and counselling to these affected by the tragedy.

A discover on the Dancing Sasquatch’s web site mentioned the bar is closed till additional discover.

Melissa’s Missteak was closed Friday however partially reopened Saturday for service as employees tried to work by means of the lack of their pal. On Friday, the restaurant and bar served as a gathering place for them as a spot to mourn and be collectively.

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“There was completely no cause behind this,” mentioned Julius. “And I believe that’s what individuals are attempting to wrap their head round, prefer it wasn’t a confrontation. It wasn’t a combat.”

Enns-Goneau’s slaying marks the primary homicide in Banff since Could 1990 when Lucie Turmel, a 23-year-old cab driver, was killed by Ryan Jason Love, who served 20 years for the crime.

Friday’s murder has rocked the small tourism-centric city of about 8,900, identified extra for being probably the most sought-after locations on the planet.

In a video assertion Friday, Mayor Corrie DiManno mentioned many locally knew Enns-Goneau.

“We’re shocked, indignant and heartbroken {that a} mindless act has robbed us of a cherished native of the prime of his life,” she mentioned.

Julius mentioned violence is often delivered to Banff from the larger cities, not usually those that stay on the town. He mentioned Melissa’s will re-examine its personal safety measures however will not be positive how one thing like this might have been prevented.

King mentioned in her grief, she was at a loss for what occurred however she’s going to take classes from how Enns-Goneau lived his life.

“We are able to transfer ahead at all times remembering Ethan’s legacy, which is to deal with everybody like they’re your greatest pal, hug your mates just a little tighter and at all times inform folks you like them.”

jaldrich@postmedia.com

Twitter: @JoshAldrich03