Search for missing Brantford man

(Update)

A Brantford family is pleading for their missing father and husband to come home. John Thomas Lavoie has been missing since early Monday morning. His family hasn’t heard from him since — but he was spotted at the Hamilton GO bus station.

22-year old Santania says she is the closest person to her father and knows he wouldn’t leave the family like this.

Santania Smith Porter: “I personally understand why you’re doing this. I just want you to come home.”

The 46-year old father showed up for work at 5:30 on Monday morning. Minutes later, he walked out the door leaving behind his keys and cell phone. No one has heard from him since.

Santania: “He has a lot of personal issues that we as a family has been helping him with his whole life. I think it’s something he has to deal with himself, no one else can help him with.”

Lavoie was seen on surveillance footage taking a bus to Hamilton an hour after he left work. Police say he was alone and wasn’t under duress. His wife says he has battled mental illness in the past.

Conteena Lavoie is his wife: “He does suffer depression. He hasn’t had bouts in years. He manages it. I’m not saying it couldn’t have got out of control. I’m not saying that. I’m saying now something wrong something is clearly not him. He is not thinking with his proper mind and I’m very scared and I’m scared for him.”

Police don’t know the motivation for his disappearance, but are concerned for his well being. His family has one message for him and hope he’s listening.

Paul Smith Porter is his son: “I love my dad and I want him to come home.”

Conteena: “I can’t breathe without him and my children want their dad — they are hurting inside just to come home.

Tracy Lavoie is his sister: “We just miss you. I get it you need to come home, that’s it.”