People brought flowers and notes of condolence to a growing tribute and memorial in Parksville Friday.
It was erected to remember the 22 innocent lives that were lost in the Nova Scotia shooting rampage.
“It’s upsetting, you know it could be anywhere,” said Parksville resident Dianne Gillespie who left a bouquet of flowers. “This is a small town too you know. I think this is a lovely idea, from one coast to another.”
The memorial on Wright Road is meant to be an expression of shared pain for those hurting in Nova Scotia.
Among those killed was 23-year RCMP veteran Const. Heidi Stevenson.
“We’re thinking of the Nova Scotia people and all of our members, we’re one big family as well. It’s just tragic, I just can’t get over it,” said Oceanside RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Marc Pelletier who paid his respects at the memorial Friday.
Retired Mountie Ken Jones was also there.
“It’s been a very emotional time,” he said. “I didn’t realize how much it was really affecting me until I came down here today and see a current member here. We’re all hurting.”
“We care deeply and we feel your grief and we want to share with you the grief and somehow bring some solace at this time,” said Sherri Plummer, who helped organize the memorial.
“I’m sickened and saddened by what happened and you know it’s just not the Canadian way,” said Janice LeClair who left flowers and a heartfelt note.
Dean Stoltz
