On Friday, I journeyed to Fort St. James to participate in a retreat put on by the Catholic Diocese.
I left early, stopping at the J and S Drive-In just outside Vanderhoof for lunch.
As I walked back to my vehicle to resume my journey, I saw three RCMP SUVs and a fire truck go by, lights on, pedals to the metal, sirens blaring. I knew that meant a serious crash just east on Highway 16
What I didn't know was my friends Bob and June Clark were in the accident.
June has passed away and, at the time of this writing, Bob is still in critical condition at Vancouver General Hospital where he was flown after the accident.
My prayers go out to the family for Bob's recovery and for consolation in this time of loss, as well as to the many people grieving in Vanderhoof and throughout the region.
Citizen readers may remember Bob as the district forest manager in Vanderhoof who was named the province's "beetle boss" in 2002, during the height of the mountain pine beetle epidemic.
The Clarks have always been pillars of their community and deeply influential in many circles; their car accident is nothing less than tragedy.
I feel this loss profoundly.
During 2015-2016, I served on the College of New Caledonia's Board of Governors with June, where we became friends.
There were some very contentious issues throughout that year, yet June never wavered in her professionalism and kindness.
After our terms ended, I volunteered with her and Bob through the riding association in Vanderhoof; and I was lucky to have their guidance through some tough political questions over the years.
My last communication with June was a month ago when I asked her to be a reference.
As always she was more than willing, and we chatted a little about how things were going in our lives.
She sounded busy but happy as always.
I hoped to see her and Bob soon in Vanderhoof or to have them come out to my family's farm.
It is a sobering thing to know now how quickly all that can change. Like many others, I find myself in a state of serious shock and sadness.
There are no words that can articulate the depth of loss June's death creates.
And so I simply pray for her to be at peace.
Yet in the same breath, I ardently beseech the Almighty on Bob's behalf. I ask that any and all would join me in this supplication.
Lord, hear our prayers.
