If you live in White Rock and you had the privilege to come across Dustin Lefebvre, chances are, you remember him.
Dustin grew up in White Rock, attending Semiahmoo Secondary, spending some years in Florida and Washington as a teenager, but it was in his original, local community that he chose to return to and call home. Starting his apprenticeship with Hilltop Plumbing & Heating in December 2008, Dustin later set out on his own, launching Ocean Park Plumbing before coming full circle and purchasing Hilltop Plumbing & Heating from the retiring owner Abe Amrani in 2016. Offered the opportunity to purchase the business where he got his start as a plumber, Dustin jumped at the chance, and committed to further building upon Hilltop’s community-minded reputation and giving back to his hometown. Dustin purchased the long-standing White Rock business in 2016 with the assistance of other investors who form part of the senior-management team that continues to direct the business operations of Hilltop today.
Next year, Hilltop Plumbing & Heating will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary and, like Dustin, Hilltop has its roots firmly planted in the local soil. When Lynn Kinghorn opened Hilltop back in 1972 it was a small business, and along with White Rock, the business and its reputation have continued to grow.
Officially, Dustin was owner/operator of the company, but it was a title he kept to himself, never introducing himself that way, and seamlessly fitting in as one of the crowd in the community and at work.
Sadly, Dustin passed away on Feb 26, far too early. He is survived by his two young sons George and Michael and the team of 20 staff and employees he assembled at Hilltop. Hilltop’s Senior-management team led by Daniel Blouin, Brent Barry and Dan Grier will continue to lead and direct the long standing, well-respected local business as it was under Dustin’s leadership with the same guiding principles and directives that Dustin had implemented.
Community first
Dustin was the ideal ambassador and figurehead for the well-respected local business. Anyone who met him, from customers, to suppliers, to employees they instantly liked him. He made friends and enhanced the company’s reputation wherever he went. The kind of person who put everyone at ease, Dustin was a regular guy whose heart of gold and uncomplicated manner was reflected in his innate sense of casual style.
Dustin’s casual dress and gregarious nature concealed how seriously he took his responsibility to the community he loved and Hilltop’s reputation in that community. Through Hilltop Plumbing and Heating, Dustin made sure to give back to local organizations including local minor hockey and baseball teams, the Peace Arch Curling Club, the South Surrey Eagles, The White Rock Whalers, KidSport BC, the local Pride Association and many other events and organizations.
Good guy, good memories
Running a successful business means having good relationships with customers and employees and Dustin took a compassionate stance with all who worked for him. This was especially important during the pandemic as Dustin made sure all his employees were taken care of and safe.
Hilltop staff are grateful for the time they had with Dustin, lighting up as they share their memories of the years working with him. “He was loved by all, well-respected in the community and in the industry,” notes Dave Sexsmith, Hilltop’s marketing and customer relations lead.
A big sports fan and an avid hunter and fisherman, Dustin spent his leisure time saltwater fishing on his beloved boat “The Slab Master” as often as he could — he loved being on the water!
White Rock is poorer for having lost him, but richer for having known him. The staff at Hilltop Plumbing & Heating decided that the best way to honour his local legacy is by continuing to give back in their hometown and taking care of their customers, just like Dustin would have wanted.
In addition, Hilltop Plumbing & Heating has decided to implement, effective immediately for 2021 and beyond, the “Dustin Lefebvre Hilltop Plumbing & Heating Memorial Scholarship” to be awarded annually to a graduating member of our local high school community that chooses to pursue a career in the trades industry. The annual $2,500 scholarship will be selected by the Hilltop Senior Management team in honour of Dustin’s memory and great legacy he has left for the company and those that knew him.