There was a fine memorial service at Centennial Park for Les Wetselaar on Saturday, April 30. Gary Sulz of Brandon Bowers gave a touching talk and invited people to say a few words about the 69-year-old who drowned in the Columbia River 10 days before. Most of the people who spoke remembered Les’ kindness and generosity and his struggles with poverty and alcohol. It was a touching event, made even more pooignant by the unexpected presence of his sister, Ruby Gold of Kamloops, and his brother Paul of Calgary. Police had a difficulty time locating his next of kin so their presence was important as no one wanted to see Les pass to the next world without the presence of his family. Les’ body has still not been recovered. Please click here for a larger version of the image. David F. Rooney photoAfter the short service, participants carried flowers down to the edge of the decommissioned boat ramp, which is where Les fell into the water and was swept away. People laid flowers in the water and watched as they were swept away. Most people then attended a reception at Sangha Bean Cafe, a venue where proprietor Krista Cadieux made Les feel welcome, particularly in the winter. David F. Rooney photo
