Troy Boileau’s memory lives on in Malawi

When Troy Boileau died suddenly last year, his family asked that donations be made in his name to Project Wellness, a Maple Ridge-based organization that helps build wells in underdeveloped African countries.

But never did they expect the financial outpouring that followed.

That well in Troy’s name did get built, in Ntcheu, Malawi, but there was such an overrun in donations that Project Wellness also built a large feeding centre and kindergarten for orphans in the area.

“We want to thank everyone, family, friends, for their support and their donations,” said Dennis Boileau, Troy’s father. “Thanks to everything they did, Troy’s well has been drilled, and so much more.”

In late March, Dennis’ brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Rosalie Boileau, went with Project Wellness founder George Klassen to Ntcheu to oversee the building of their nephew’s well.

A granite plaque sits in front of the well that reads: “In loving memory of Troy James Boileau ... This well is a gift of Eternal Life from Troy’s family and friends.”

Dennis and his wife Carryl found out about the overrun of money only after his brother returned home, and the feeding centre had been built.

“It was so great to hear,” he said about learning of what the overrun was put towards. “We were so overwhelmed.

“And we learned that there’s a sign in the feeding centre that says, ‘The house that Troy built,’” Dennis said through tears. “We’re very proud of it. We’re so thankful.”

He described his son as a well-loved, community-oriented family man, which he feels is why the outpouring of support was so overwhelming.

“People would meet Troy and they instantly liked him,” said Dennis.

Troy’s involvement in Project Wellness was short-lived, but his legacy will remain in Ntcheu for years.

It’s an organization he had heard of just months before his death, when one of his sons was involved in an elementary school project that benefited Project Wellness.

Klassen has worked in underdeveloped areas of the world, like the Amazon, Nigeria and Malawi, for more than 20 years of his life.

“Project Wellness is in the business of building wells; that’s how my daughter came up with the name,” said Klassen, who will return to Malawi early next month.

Early August will also mark the one-year anniversary of Troy’s death, something Dennis said is still hard to deal with, but the support he receives from friends and family helps.

“Everyone has been great,” he said. “And it shows. That can be seen in the village in Africa. The response from all the people is what did it. Thank you.”