About 20 people came together at Wilson Square, on the front steps of the Prince George courthouse, to pay tribute to Luke Degerness. He has been missing for three years and turned 18 on Saturday night.
"We all lit candles, sang 'Happy Birthday' to Luke, and blew the candles out," said his mom Gina Degerness describing the scene. "I gave a speech to say thanks to everyone for their support."
The coffee was provided by the Fire Pit organization in support of Degerness, who used the vigil to also paid tribute to the other victims of violence and unsolved disappearance who, like her, endure daily pain for a family member or friend.
"We have way too many missing people in our community. People know things about those unsolved things and they need to speak up," she said. Especially hard for her is not knowing if Luke is gone of his own accord or has met with accident or foul play. He hasn't been seen by loved ones since June 7, 2007. He had gotten into some trouble at school but a meeting with school officials that day had gone well and he apparently left the meeting in a good mood heading for his next class. He never arrived.
Police and the Missing Children Society of Canada have both been investigating ever since. The latest activity was a search of Hudson's Bay Slough this past summer. No definite evidence was located, but there were some random clothing items found.
"According to the Missing Children Society there was no lead regarding the clothing found in the slough," Degerness said. "It is a little frustrating, so I'm really hoping some new clues come out and if Luke is watching or listening we just hope he decides to make contact. Hopefully he'll get the word that we're looking for him and he'll come home. Otherwise, we hope someone will do the right thing and bring out some information."
If Luke or anyone who knows something of Luke's fate can do so, please contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS / www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
If you have any information about Luke or any missing child, you can also call the Missing Children Society of Canada at 1-800-661-6160 or email tips@mcsc.ca.
