Seoul’s long-term expat community was saddened recently by the sudden and tragic death of one of its members. Alexander Rene Boutilier (“Lex” to his friends, “Rene” to his family), was killed in a head on collision between his motorbike and a taxi after midnight on Friday, 4th April, while riding home on the elevated road between Geumhwa and Sajik Tunnels.
Lex (45) had lived in Korea since 2001, first in Gwangju (South Jeolla Province) and since 2004 in Seoul. Once an English teacher, he had transitioned into the field of translation editing and technical writing, as well as preparing and running crisis simulations for government training centers.
Possessed of a both a keen intellect and an artistic streak, Lex mixed with various groups of people, including the gothic scene, punks, artists, and self-professed geeks. He was an active member of the Rational Thinkers Meetup group. He often sported impressive gray sideburns, whiskers, or “muttonchops.”
On 7th July 2007 (7-7-7), Lex Boutilier married Park Jae-soon, a Gwangju native he had met in his first year here. They had two beautiful children, Kara (5) and Kal-el (8 months), and were planning to eventually move to Canada, Lex’s homeland.
Last week family and friends flew in from Canada and Asia to say farewell to this creative and brilliant man, who was as skilled in the art of debate on serious matters of science as he was versed in the world of graphic novels and role playing games.
Lex had no life insurance, so his surviving family is starting a new life without him with an especially heavy burden. For this reason, his friends have rallied around and decided that something must be done.
Therefore, on Saturday, April 26th, Seoul will play host to Lex-i-con 2014. Lex-i-con is in fact two events held on the same day at the same place. The daytime event (Lex-i-con 1) was originally advertised as a Family Fun Day at Han Riverside Park, but due to the forecast for rainy weather, it has been changed to a bake sale, 1980s-themed trivia quiz and bric-a-brac/art auction at Divine in Itaewon.
Lex-i-con 2, in the evening, will also be held at Divine in Itaewon. There will be 2 live bands, and a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, one of Lex’s favourite films. Entry to Lex-i-con 2 will cost 15,000 won.
Two kinds of raffles will be held at both Lex-i-con 1 and 2, with some amazing prizes, including a free night at a nice hotel, dinner for 2 at a classy restaurant, and more.
Whether you knew Lex personally or not, everyone is welcome to come to one or both of these fun events and donate generously to help Jae-soon, Kara and Kal-el make a new start.
LexiconSeoul.com
Source: ZenKimchi Korean Food Journal
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