Pink and blue balloons with the names ‘Hailey’ and ‘Terry’ written on them filled the sunset sky Friday evening.
Over 200 people filled a giant soccer field just outside Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore to pay their respects to both victims.
“This is what I came up with for the whole community to say our final goodbyes,” said Marc Ernst, organizer of Friday night’s vigil.
READ MORE: Derek Saretzky charged in murders of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and Terry Blanchette
He and his family moved to the little valley in the Rockies in May to escape the chaos of the big city. When news of the murders of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and Terry Blanchette came to light, he along with many in the small tight-knit community were devastated.
“Every parent was probably thinking what if it was ours,” added Ernst, who has a baby girl of his own.
The evening’s vigil allowed residents to share stories of both father and daughter. Candles were lit and balloons released symbolizing their young lives, cut short too soon.
“Everybody is holding their children a little bit tighter.”
“Everybody is holding their children a little bit tighter and says few nicer things to their family,” said one resident.
“This is what community does, this is what our family as a community does, we stick together and we show each other we are there for each other,” added another.
READ MORE: Winnipeggers hold candle light vigil for Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette
Ernst, who knew the victims, described Terry as a loving father and Hailey as a special girl.
“She was an angel, just loving,” he said about the two-year-old. “Quite shy but once you got to know her a little bit she would just open up and just love everybody in this town.”
Many in the community still have questions about why these senseless murders happened. However, that was all on pause Friday evening, as the small town honoured a sweet little girl and her devoted father.
WATCH: Vigils held around the country for Hailey and her Farther
Comments