Who was Trevor Dubois? Loved ones want people to understand the man they knew

When Jermain McKenzie thinks of Trevor Dubois, he remembers an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that makes you laugh until you’re crying. 

McKenzie said the last conversation he had with Dubois was on Christmas, wishing him a speedy recovery for the tumor in his brain.  

A few days later, he learned Dubois had died. While the way he died is a subject of speculation, the way he lived is what his friends and family want to talk about. 

“He lived his whole life trying to help people who are less fortunate,” McKenzie said in an interview.

McKenzie says he’s shocked by the picture being painted by authorities in the wake of Dubois' death at Royal University Hospital.

On Friday, Dubois died after a physical altercation with security at the hospital where he was getting cancer treatment. 

Whether it was being an advocate for Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQ+ community, students, those with disabilities or just helping a friend, Dubois went above and beyond.

“He had a huge impact. If you just look at the outpouring of support all over social media, you can see that it's someone who truly touched our lives,” he said. 

McKenzie remembers the time Dubois offered to teach him how to drive in his brand new car that McKenzie was terrified of damaging. 

“He wasn’t concerned about the vehicle at all,” McKenzie said. “He was more concerned about me being able to get the experience necessary to become a competent and confident driver.”

Even when it started snowing and roads got slippery, Dubois remained calm and focussed on teaching his friend how to drive. 

“He was a very kind, gentle, loving person who was always willing to help others, especially the less fortunate. I think that's why he went into social work,” McKenzie said. 

That infectious laugh keeps surfacing when people talk about Dubois, in one way or another. 

“He had an aura that lit up the room. He would always be telling his gay jokes; he didn't care if people knew he was gay or not,” said Carmen Charles, who knew Dubois for over 25 years.