One year ago today, our families suffered an enormous loss. Our husbands, Doug, Dave and Fabrice, lost their lives honourably protecting the citizens of Moncton. The healing process has been difficult but we have found comfort and strength in the support we have received and that support continues to see us through. To everyone, near and far, who has been there for us: Thank you. Your light guides us as we rebuild our lives and move forward.
As we remember our heroes with the community that has embraced us from the beginning, we extend again our gratitude for all of your love and support. Doug, Dave and Fabrice will always be in our hearts.
Message from Nadine Larche
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since our family lost our dearest Doug. It’s been a long road and we still have our struggles but words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the support we have received over this past year. We are healing and getting through this as a community and that means so much to me and my family. We draw on the strength of this community and those around us.
I would like to especially thank my parents who have seen us through every step of the way and are right there to help at every turn. They enable me to stay strong for my three daughters. On this day, my family and I will be with friends and loved ones to lean on each other and remember the man who touched our lives so deeply.
Today’s Musical Ride tribute is very fitting as it was a Musical Ride performance Doug and I attended many years ago that inspired him to follow his dream and join the RCMP. I am also grateful for this memorial that will be placed here in the heart of Moncton to honour my husband, Dave and Fabrice. It is a fitting tribute and remembrance for three wonderful men. Doug is with us always and I am proud and thankful to honour his memory with the citizens of Moncton.
Message from Rachael Ross
I want to say thanks to all my “families”: my relatives, immediate and extended, my church, the oncology unit, the hospital, the RCMP and the Greater Moncton community. So many people have shown love and support and truly touched my heart. I would not have been able to get through this without you. The last year has been very challenging and there are still challenges ahead, but we keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to keep our focus on what we have to be thankful for.
Knowing Dave has made me into the person I am today. He modeled to me so many qualities including love, strength, perseverance and sacrifice. Please continue to think and pray for us, as well as the other individuals profoundly impacted by last year’s tragedy.
The media coverage of the events of June 4th has been hard to see and its continued presence has been a painful reminder of what we have lost. However, from this tragedy, we have gained evidence that our community is full of wonderful people and I hope we will continue to be neighbourly and be proud of one another. I hope that steps will continue to be made so that officers can be safe while preserving the law so we can all be “at home” here.
The greater message of love, strength, perseverance and community must prevail. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice my husband made when he answered the call to go to work that night. I only wish my sons would have been able to really know their amazing daddy.
John 15:13 – “There is no greater love than to give one’s life for one’s friends”
Message from Angela Gevaudan
This past year has been one of loss and sadness but also one of profound growth. With the support of the community behind me, I have done my best to fill my heart with love. Finding joy in life is how Miss Emma and I honour Fabrice. Being together and celebrating his loving spirit is how I believe he would want to be remembered.
Continuing to move forward with all the lessons we’ve learned has not been an easy path but it is the right path and this journey has been made easier by the love and support of the people who surround us. It is said that our choices are based on either fear or love. I can assure you that in every single step he took, Fabrice was fearless. The sacrifice he made on this day last year was rooted in love. Love in its purest form. He would want us to know that these roots will always be there and this love is always accessible to all of us.
I will always be grateful for the love we’ve received (from Fabrice and from all of you) and will spend the rest of our lives honouring it in any way we can.
