Family and friends of the McKay family from across BC gathered together in qathet a couple years ago in order to honour much-loved family members Gordon McKay, who passed away in 2008, and his wife June McKay, who died in 2021.
A bench and memorial garden were constructed in an area near the entrance to the sea walk in Westview with the help of City of Powell River’s parks department. An American tulip tree was chosen to be planted in memory of Gordon and June, who had a tulip tree in the backyard of the home they lived in for more than 40 years. It was first reported on social media a few days ago (November 26) by a passerby who saw that the tree had been cut down.
“That was the first thing I saw when I looked at the message board,” said Art McKay, son of Gordon, while speaking with the Peak about the recent vandalism to the family’s memorial tree. “Myself and my other family members felt hurt, angry and disappointed.”
McKay said his sister Heather Legge has been diligent about watering the garden.
“Our mom and dad had a huge tulip tree in their backyard,” said McKay. “That’s why we chose that type of tree.”
McKay said his dad was a boilermaker and eventually made his home in qathet region, working at the local mill.
“We have a huge family and they all travelled out here a couple years ago to see the tree planted,” said McKay.
A memorial bench was also placed near the memorial. He praised the parks department and city for doing a lot of the work.
McKay hopes the tree will be replaced next spring.
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