The following letter was sent to MP John Weston and copied to Coast Reporter.

Last Friday, June 1, I picked up a gift certificate from Angie Nemeth, which I won from CKAY-FM in Sechelt. It was for a meal at the Backeddy Pub near the rapids where the two Coast Guard women volunteers died on Sunday.

Angie was a warm, friendly and vibrant woman. Two days later, she died a tragic death. I was shocked.

It is special people such as Angie and Beatrice who volunteer to save others’ lives, this time at the expense of their own.

I have listened to and read copious media on the closing of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station. This latest tragedy truly highlights how crucial every minute is when it comes to saving a life on the waters. No one ever imagined that such a terrible accident could happen on the Sunshine Coast and take the lives of two volunteers. 

If the federal government is so adamant about closing Kitsilano, perhaps the province can fund it. If not, then I would be happy to start a Save the Coast Guard Fund and donate the first $100. I am sure others would gladly follow.

I ask Ottawa: are Canadian lives not worth $800,000 a year?

Frances McGuckin

Halfmoon Bay