The namesake of an iconic Nelson business has died.
Reo Rocheleau, who started Reo’s Videos in 1987, was 91.
Rocheleau began renting videos from an Uphill convenience store that later became Burrell’s Grocery. He subsequently established a standalone operation on Lake Street, celebrated for the astonishing number of titles it shoehorned into its labyrinthine space.
The business has had four other owners and three other locations, but still retains its original name. Today it’s operated on Hall Street by the Nelson Civic Theatre Society.
Rocheleau moved to Kamloops, where he ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2014 and for mayor in 2017.
According to his obituary, Rocheleau demonstrated an aptitude for business from an early age in Medicine Hat and had many ventures over the years.
Rocheleau died May 17. He’s survived by two children and four grandchildren.