Editor: We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude and say thank you to our community for your compassion. Your support helped us to push back the darkness just a little by providing us with hope
It would be impossible to thank everyone individually as many have been so gracious and caring.
Our upmost respect and praise goes out to the Calgary Police Service, RCMP and all associated with the case for their tireless efforts to ensure justice was served.
Convicted killer Douglas Garland was sentenced to life in prison in February, with no chance of parole for 75 years. The judge called the murders “brutal and senseless and planned.”
We’ve been in turmoil for the past two-and-a-half years coping with the tragic loss of our loved ones, Nathan O’Brien, and Kathy and Alvin Liknes. As we contemplate how we will master our grief, we know that we’ve only been able to sustain ourselves to this point through the gentleness of an entire community embracing us, and each other.
Whether we’ve prayed together, exchanged a reassuring smile, hug or phone call, know that your compassion and unrelenting rally of support has been crucial.
The last 32 months have exhausted us of our general ability to derive happiness and although the verdict does not change what is, it certainly gives us comfort knowing a convicted killer and criminal cannot hurt anyone else and will live out his days in jail.
We honour those lost by choosing to define them by the abundant lives they lived. Alvin was a gentleman and avid sportsman who spent countless days in the mountains. Kathy was my lifelong friend, her home was my oasis away from home. I remember the way that children and animals naturally gravitated toward her kind, caring personality. She had two children and four stepchildren and 13 grandchildren. Those who were fortunate to meet Kathy Liknes in Canmore through her volunteerism and work within the community daycare would notably say that they met a very kind soul.
Nathan truly was the bright light that lit up our hearts. We were blessed to know his joyous, rambunctious, pure nature. Although our lives will never be the same again, there have been many gifts, such as The Nathan O’Brien foundation, which has done some amazing work already supporting children’s organizations in Calgary.
We understand that this is a very difficult, unimaginable story to process, as it touches us all at our core. We’re constantly astonished by the grace and power of good by turning to the light in our darkest hour that has been demonstrated by our family, friends and our greater community. Never underestimate the power of being kind.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Cherri and Ken Hodgins,
Canmore
