In a heartfelt tribute to three lives tragically lost last year, the family members of those lost have come together to place a memorial rock and garden at the site of the accident on McNaughton Avenue in Wallaceburg.
The memorial honours the memories of Matt Cousins, Shae-Lynn Bachus, and Victoria Baertsoen, three young lives cut short on May 21, 2023.
The memorial is not just a symbol of remembrance but also a beacon of resilience, featuring five butterflies that represent the survivors, Mackenzie Vandroffelaar and Selena Bushey, alongside those who passed away.
This poignant symbol serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between mourning and celebrating life.
The families also felt it was important to install a granite marker with the symbol, “Wallaceburg, you are in our hearts,” as a way to show their sincere gratitude for the out-pouring of love, prayers and support of the entire community and surrounding areas, especially Port Lambton, upon learning about the accident.
This symbol went viral after it was posted on social media shortly after the accident.
It has become the symbol for keeping Wallaceburg strong.
The families will be holding a short memorial service in remembrance of their loved ones at the Memorial Garden at the Lord Selkirk Bridge on May 19, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Family, friends and the community are invited to attend to show their support and solidarity.
The families say the memorial stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the community and the everlasting impact of the individuals it commemorates.
It is a place for reflection, healing, and hope, reminding everyone of the preciousness of life and the strength found in unity.
The rock and garden was made possible by a few main contributors.
The families are forever grateful to their dear friend, Jamie Dell, along with his fellow employees of Banister Pipeline and the trade unions, for taking up a collection last fall to make the Memorial Rock and Garden become a reality.
Additionally last fall, a donation was also kindly given from friends of the families after a fundraising event was held.
The families would also like to express their heart-felt appreciation to Tom McFadden, manager of St. Croix Memorial, for his dedication of time and expertise in helping them with the design and engraving of the memorial rock and granite marker.
Lastly, the unique memorial rock was found at The Glasshouse Nursery and Garden Center in Chatham.
The families wanted to sincerely thank Peter Ennett, and the hard-working staff there for designing and installing such a heavenly garden; which has truly beautified the corner of the Lord Selkirk Bridge in Wallaceburg.
The families say they greatly appreciate the support from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Wallaceburg’s Councillors and the community as a whole in helping to make the garden happen for all to appreciate.
The Sydenham Current caught up with Kerry Baertsoen, Victoria’s mother, on the day the memorial was installed. Listen to the interview, below:
Here are some more photos of the garden:
