Feeling sick inside. Home from what was an otherwise wonderful weekend out at Burnt Timber but with an awful discovery. A wonderful friend of ours and Scout leader who spent tons of time in the area passed away suddenly two years ago and we placed a bench in his memory right beside Burnt Timber Creek last summer. Nothing big or flashy. No crosses or flowers or other stuff--just a simple bench made from two heavy spruce planks that we cut from dead trees nearby. Something for everybody who uses the area to swim, fish, or just enjoy nature to sit on and enjoy the place.
His wife and kids go out there, as do some of his other family and friends just to remember. Some of his ashes were left there.
Sometime between April 25 and May long weekend, somebody went to a lot of work to undo the nuts and haul away a 250 lb bench that was meant for all to enjoy. We kind of expected somebody would shoot holes in it or carve their names--not that it would be okay, but hey that is life and Steve would understand. Figured we would have to replace the wood sometime, but nothing like this.
We will call ESRD to see if they pulled it (despite leaving other similar things all over the country while people like us haul tons of garbage out every weekend).
PLEASE keep an eye out for this! We just want it back. Maybe an honest lapse in judgement or one of your neighbours thought their backyard needed a seat. We don't care and certainly won't press charges if it is brought forward. It would restore some of our faith in humanity and pay respect to a friend who gave so much to the community.
Thank you.
