By Mark Squibb/August 26, 2022
During the August 9 public meeting, the Town of Witless Bay had a brief discussion about ways to commemorate people who have passed away.
Glenn Williams had requested that council name the trail that goes from the swimming pool area to the Upper Pond area after his brother Roger Williams who, tragically, drowned in the area a few weeks prior.
However, council was not fully onboard with the idea of naming trails, buildings, etcetera, after residents.
“It’s hard to name town infrastructure after someone as you don’t want to leave someone out,” Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard argued.
But she did float the idea of creating commemorative benches that residents can purchase in honour of their loved ones.
“One idea we thought about was putting out benches with a plaque commemorating that person,” said Yard.
In a follow up e-mail, Yard said the Town is working on getting specs for the benches, which would be installed on a concrete pad, and which could have a small memorial plaque attached to them.
“We intend to offer a program in 2023 where families can purchase a bench, have it installed and donate it to the Town in an area of significance to them in memory of a loved one,” Yard said. “That way there will be places for reflection around the town and everyone will have an equal opportunity to remember their loved one in a place that meant something to them.”
Councillor Ralph Carey added his own thoughts to the discussion and recommended a community clean up in Williams’ honour.
“I grew up with the resident that recently passed away and I know he was a great champion for cleaning up the area,” said Carey. “I think if we did have a bench, maybe once a year or twice a year we could have a memorial clean up. And we would want the family to become involved in any way they wish. And it would serve two purposes, it would remind us of our friend who recently passed away, and at the same time, do a good deed and clean up the area on a regular basis.”
