#Colchesterstrong

Written by Diana Isabel Torres Goñi

Photos from CBC.ca (Thumbnail by Dave Laughlin)

Today Nova Scotia wakes up to another day of mourning after one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. It was a senseless act that devastated the small, close-knit community and rattled the entire country. 

If this was a time to band together, it is more so now. As Canadians, we band together in solidarity with the Colchester community, as Nova Scotians, we mourn the loss of our brethren. Our university flags fly at half-mast today, and our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by this tragedy. 

We may not be able to stand together in memory of those lost, but on Friday, April 24th, we can join in remembrance of Gina Goulet, a 54-year-old denturist who had battled cancer twice; 

Elizabeth Joanne Thomas and John Joseph Zahl, parents who had retired in Portapique, him a veteran of the U.S. Navy, her a loving mother originally from Winnipeg;

Corrie Ellison, a thoughtful and kind friend; 

Dawn Madsen and Frank Gulenchyn, a couple from Ontario, her a retired long-term care home worker; 

Aaron Tuck, Jolene Oliver and Emily Tuck a loving family, the father a mechanic, the mother a waitress from Alberta and the 17-year-old daughter a lover of music and welding; 

Sean McLeod a Correctional Service Canada employee who lived with Alanna Jenkins, an employee at the Nova Institution for Women, the couple is remembered as welcoming and loving; 

Tom Bagley who died trying to help his neighbours;

Lisa McCully an Elementary teacher and mother of two; 

Const. Heidi Stevenson a 23-year-old officer of the RCMP and mother of two who died responding to the call; 

Heather O'Brien a licensed practical nurse, wife, mother and grandmother; 

Kristen Beaton a continuing care assistant, wife and mother; 

Greg and Jamie Blair a married couple lost to tragedy; 

Joey Webber father of three; 

Lillian Hyslop who is remembered fondly by her walking partner. 

The virtual vigil will be held on Friday at 7:00 pm AT 

With information from CBC.ca