Loved ones honour Walter Lasher, a beloved community figure in Napanee, after his tragic death in a 2024 arson. Andrew Thompson pleads guilty.
Napanee Remembers Beloved Resident After Deadly Fire
In Napanee, Ontario, community members are mourning the loss of Walter Lasher, a 67-year-old known locally as a gentle and friendly figure, after he died in a deliberately set fire on August 3, 2024. The accused, Andrew Thompson, 32, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson in a courtroom last May. Emotional victim impact statements were read Thursday, painting a vivid portrait of Lasher’s presence and legacy in the town.
A Life Lost in a Preventable Tragedy
Lasher died after being pulled from a burning transitional housing unit on John Street, where he had been living. Prosecutors say Thompson made several attempts to start fires throughout the building, actions that ultimately resulted in Lasher’s death. Originally charged with first-degree murder, Thompson instead admitted guilt to reduced charges, prompting a deep emotional response from Lasher’s family during sentencing hearings.
A Fixture of Downtown, Gone Too Soon
Lasher, who lived with a disability that prevented him from reading or writing beyond his name, was remembered as a joyful and trusting man. Family members shared memories of his morning routines—picking up needles, washing blood from common areas, and then greeting the day with smiles, waves, and even dances. “He didn’t deserve to die in that cruel way,” said his sister, Freda Hart.
A Deliberate Act With Devastating Impact
During the court proceedings, Crown Attorney Monica Heine revealed surveillance footage showing Thompson repeatedly attempting to ignite the fire and sabotaging firefighting equipment. “These actions were persistent, required thought, diligence and focus,” Heine said, asking for a 10-year sentence. In contrast, Thompson’s defence sought five to eight years, citing time served and his impaired state due to drug use.
Grief That Echoes Through a Community
Lasher’s death has left a void not only in his family but across Napanee. Residents described the emotional toll of losing someone who brought comfort and joy to many. Former neighbours, also affected by the fire, spoke of how it disrupted lives already marked by hardship. “Three attempts to start that fire means three different chances to change his mind,” said Lasher’s niece, Mary.
Apologies and Accountability Amid Sentencing
Thompson, visibly subdued in court, stood to apologize to Lasher’s loved ones. “He was always kind to me. I am truly sorry,” he said. His uncle, who addressed the court on his behalf, urged the public to see Thompson as a flawed person, not a monster. Justice Geoffrey Griffin questioned Thompson’s readiness to recover from drug addiction, to which Thompson replied he was “very hopeful.”
Awaiting Justice and Living With Loss
Walter Lasher’s death is a reminder of the vulnerability of those living on society’s margins and the enduring pain of lives cut short. While Thompson’s sentencing is set for August 8, Lasher’s family says no punishment can replace the warmth and kindness Walter shared freely. “Memories are like scars,” said his niece Amanda. “They are precious—especially when you can’t make them anymore.”
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