VANCOUVER – A memorial display honouring the seniors lost to COVID-19 in the West End and Coal Harbour communities was unveiled today at the northwest corner of Davie and Thurlow Street.

“In B.C., we have now lost over 200 people to COVID. The West End has suffered nearly 10% of those deaths. Each one of those British Columbians lost is not just a number. They are a person with a family left behind,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for the Vancouver’s West End and Coal Harbour.

This first memorial poster is a tribute to Garry Monckton, a long time West End resident, who recently passed away from COVID-19. It invites people to stop and reflect on the stories and rich history of those lost.

“I think my dad would have been incredibly honoured to have this recognition, he was always pretty humble and just did whatever he could to make his community better,” said Sam Monckton, Garry’s daughter. “Our family is very grateful for this and hope that by sharing Dad’s story and wisdom with his neighbourhood his memory will continue.”

The memorial display is also a message to the community to take care of each other and stay vigilant to prevent further spread of the virus. Spencer asks everyone in the West End and Coal Harbour to maintain proper social distancing, to keep our bubbles small, to stick to six, to wash our hands, and to wear a mask when out in public.