I travelled the world with Jeff, from Oman to Hong-Kong to London then Bristol and twice to Calgary, shooting commercials. He was bright eyed, immensely inspiring and the most fantastic story teller I ever knew. If you knew him well enough and knew where he was from, you would let the man charm you with his bull riding stories or any formidable "behind the scene"  moments of the ad world. But mostly he loved to talk to me about his family. Being both of French descent, the family stories shun bright and chaotic and you wanted to be a part of it . They sounded epic. Jeff could keep a spellbound audience around a table by the colourful way he detailed and created characters out of the people he knew. He had the quality to weave passed events into legend. His instincts were raw and sharp. His heart and loyalty were without borders.  

In the last months we chatted much about his health or of the work ahead. He also had the desire to finish a screenplay and I know he would of been a hell of a feature film director. I wanted to see that because Jeff succeeded with the fever of those who ride the bull for the passion of riding, fearless and laughing the whole way through. Even now I know that many decisions I will take will be with the image of Jeff in my mind  and his unstoppable creative passion in my heart. 

I will miss him dearly.

Andrea, I am heartsick at your and Cadow's loss. Although I didn't know Jeff, I can see that he was very well-loved and admired. I do know you, and I always liked you and was impressed with what a classy and kind woman you were when I worked with you. I can't imagine in what way I could help you or your family, but if there's anything at all that I can do, please don't hesitate to call me. Take care of yourself. I am so sorry.

I loved Jeff Labbe like a brother. Probably because my brothers are also hilarious, talented, manic, big-hearted, lack a filter, extremely stubborn, shorter than me, have strong artistic temperaments. Jeff and I argued fiercely. But he was impossible to stay mad at. Like brothers we got in trouble together. Sometimes a little too much trouble. And like brothers we cared deeply about each other. Jeff's the only person I'm not related to who's ever called me at 3 AM (until he met his wonderful wife, Andrea Labbe, it was routinely). And if that's not family, what is? I loved to laugh with Jeff. His wicked, Louisiana cackle, telling a truth no one but a brother would ever dare share.  And, of course, I loved his big, passionate, generous, heart- stomping, uncontainable, take-no-prisoners talent. We worked as a team in advertising. And we were a good team because our strengths covered each other's weaknesses. When I was too sentimental, Jeff brought edge.  And when I was too timid, Jeff gave the work bravery. As well as beauty. And energy...that unstoppable Jeff Labbe energy. He worked like a man running out of time. Because he was. His brother donated a kidney  to him, which thankfully kept him alive. But it made Jeff realize how precious time was, so he filled every moment with as much life as he could. It's also why he always - ALWAYS - pushed for "great - that special greatness that only comes from giving everything you have. And he never stopped giving. I am very  lucky. Lucky to have been his friend. Lucky to have been his partner. And especially lucky to have gotten to tell Jeff I loved him in his last few days.  It is hard to believe, that Jeff is  really gone. That I'd never hear that crazy cackle. That I'd never, ever hear my friend's voice again. And then I realized I still would. Whenever I refuse to settle or whenever I push to make something braver, edgier, or more beautiful…It's Jeff's voice I'll hear.  Goodbye Jeffrey. I love you brother.








I remember when y’all would visit. The excitement was like nothing else. I can remember us both covered with those stick on tattoos. Mine didn’t wash off. 
 Jeff you’re with great company now but I hate to see you go. I love you Brother. 
 I am praying for your family. 

OBITUARY

Jeffrey Matthew Labbe'

September 11, 1964 – March 6, 2018

H.C. Alexander Funeral Home

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