Derksen family draws strength from faith and Candace

WINNIPEG — Wilma Derksen’s face is far too familiar to Winnipeggers.

“I never thought I would be recognized when I walk down the street,” Derksen said. “I come from a very humble origin and I was the kid that always sat in the back seat of the class and never spoke up.”

Since 1984, Winnipeggers have felt compelled to reach out to Derksen.

Her daughter, Candace, was killed in one of Manitoba’s highest profile murders.

“I received a phone call from a complete stranger and we had a wonderful conversation and he just felt the need to talk to me,” Derksen said.

Derksen finds those conversations encouraging. She also uses her voice to comfort other parents facing similar tragedies.

That’s why she is determined to build Candace House. It will be a place for victims to be supported and never forgotten.

It’s something her daughter would have loved.

“She would want to create justice so vulnerable people aren’t hurt. She understood that, and I think we are trying to do what she wanted,” Derksen said.

Derksen always has a smile one her face. She draws her strength from her faith, friends, family and Candace.

“Life is important; it just doesn’t disappear even when somebody dies and is killed,” said Derksen. “I still consider her an adult child who has come back for a visit and I just have to pay attention to her.”

Mark Edward Grant was convicted two years ago of second-degree murder in Candace’s death.

Manitoba’s Court of Appeal unanimously ruled on Wednesday that Grant should get a new trial over evidence a judge decided shouldn’t be admitted.

Manitoba Justice is still looking at the Appeal Court ruling. Prosecutors can appeal it to the Supreme Court of Canada.