In Memoriam: Nicolas Belanger

Nicolas Belanger, the executive vice president of sales of Vaughn, Ontario-based Torxx Kinetic Pulverizer Ltd., died in mid-September, one week before his 50th birthday, according to the company.

“Our hearts are heavy, and we’re stunned by the untimely and devastating passing of our colleague, friend and industry icon,” says Peter Everson, Torxx chairman. “Nicolas has been instrumental in moving our company—and the industry—forward over the last 25 years. He is a talented engineer and strong business leader; whose industry knowledge and experience are second to none. He is greatly missed, and we share the grief of his family, friends and colleagues—including his wife Nadine who continues to be a valued member of the Torxx family. We’re determined to carry on Nicolas’ legacy by executing his vision to provide superior products that deliver tangible customer value.”

Torxx refers to Belanger as “highly respected by colleagues and customers, who agree he made major contributions to the industry, developing cutting edge waste and recycling technologies and creative design solutions throughout his career.”

Belanger was the former co-owner of Plessisville, Quebec-based Machinex Industries Inc., where he worked for more than 20 years to help that firm gain market share as a provider of equipment and systems for the materials recovery facility (MRF) sector.

Belanger also is the co-founder, co-owner and president of Trois-Rivières, Quebec-based Waste Robotics. Eric Camirand, his business partner and the CEO of that firm, comments, “I have always appreciated Nicolas' intelligence, expertise, frankness, quick-wittedness and passion. His departure will leave an immeasurable void.”

Joe Sloan of Sloan Vazquez McAfee, who collaborated frequently with Belanger during his career, adds, “He became known as the ‘MRF Whisperer…The Jedi-Master/Obi-Wan Kenobi’ of recycling plant design and operation … a true pioneer.”

In addition to his wife, Nadine, Belanger is survived by his daughter, Brittany, and son, Joshua. The family invites those wishing to remember Nicolas to make donations to the childhood cancer support organization THON on this webpage.