Editor:
I needed to write a letter to all the residents of Sechelt and surrounding areas thanking you for your generous support of the firefighters working on the Old Mine Fire (V50256).
Understanding that the community lost a valued member during fire control operations underscores this generosity and exemplifies graciousness. This fire was and will continue to be a gut-wrenching experience for all involved. The loss of faller, community leader and family man John Phare is a terrible blow to all. There is a very large hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
My understanding of John, who he was and what he meant to the community, was learned secondhand and after his death. As I came to know a little about John, his exceptionalism and genuine caring disposition, the actions of the community came into a new light. I couldn’t help but feel that these actions we’re emblematic of John himself; caring, kind and gracious.
The reports of some these acts of kindness were well documented in last Friday’s edition of Coast Reporter. To capture everything the community and many individuals have done would take an entire edition. I can tell you all that the firefighters have been humbled and deeply moved by your actions.
Hopefully, our actions on and off the fire line are worthy and measure up to yours and John’s high standard. It is with great honour and pride to serve a citizenry such as yours. Thank you all very much!
Pete Laing, Incident Commander, Old Mine Fire, July 3 to 9
