Editor:
As reported in the crime section of this paper last week, on the Thanksgiving weekend thieves broke into a shed on the Roberts Creek property of Rick O’Neill. Rick, who passed away recently, was an icon in our community. He spent years photographing nature, teaching people about nature, and working to protect the environment. As a final act of generosity Rick donated his land and possessions to the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association and requested in his will that his 13-acre property be protected as a natural forest area in perpetuity. The SCCA accepted Rick’s request and has been working to settle his estate and establish a conservation covenant that will protect the forest on his property forever.
Unfortunately, as we were preparing for the estate sale to secure funds that would help in establishing the conservation covenant and settle Rick’s estate, selfish thieves stole thousands of dollars of woodworking equipment, power tools and other items. It’s truly disgusting that people would steal from the estate of such a generous man, and from the charity holding his estate. If you have any information about this crime, please contact the local RCMP or the SCCA at [email protected]. And to the thieves – if you have a bone of decency in you, I hope you’ll make a big donation or return the tools to help Rick rest in peace.
Bill Wareham, SCCA Board Member
