SUNDRE — More than 50 people gathered at the Greenwood Campground’s community gazebo to grieve the senseless death and honour the memory of a beloved local woman who is fondly remembered as a friendly hairstylist and passionate ball player by those who were close.
Before a specially-made memorial bench was unveiled on Saturday, Oct. 2, Town of Sundre Mayor Terry Leslie and Coun. Richard Warnock offered a few words about Brenda Ware, who last spring was reported missing before eventually being found deceased by authorities in B.C.
Philip Toner, the suspect charged with second degree murder in connection with her death, was following numerous adjournments over the past several months most recently scheduled for an appearance on Monday, Oct. 4 in Didsbury provincial court for election and plea.
The memorial bench, crafted by Cochrane-based artisans Brian Widahl and Sarah Dubois who had previously sculpted the existing bears adorning the gazebo and surrounding area, offered a heart-felt nod to Ware in the form a comb and scissors in the hands of a bear in recognition of her profession as a hairstylist, through which many people got to know her.
As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, there were no refreshments available, but people nevertheless had the opportunity to share memories and take turns appreciating the craftsmanship involved in creating the bench, which now becomes a new permanent fixture at the campground.