Memorial planned for young fire victims

February 17, 2012

Two young boys who died in a house fire on Nanoose First Nations land near Lantzville in January, won't be soon forgotten.

The Seaview Elementary Parent Advisory Council has decided on a way to celebrate the lives of Jordan and Devon Drake and the joy they brought to their school.

"There's a very big passion for these boys. They loved playing outside at recess with their friends and we thought, what better way to celebrate their lives than building a playground and putting up a memorial plaque," says PAC Chair Cherie Alyward.

"Rather than having a static memorial that would not be symbolic... we want to create an active memorial that will be used for many years to bring joy to all children of our local community," reads a letter sent out to local families and businesses around Nanaimo and Ladysmith.

The PAC is ultimately hoping to build two playgrounds, one at the school and one on the Snaw-Naw-As Reserve, complete with park benches and picnic tables.

Based on conversations with playground providers around BC, the estimated cost of the two would be around $80,000. 

"This does not currently include labour costs, but our parents, including the boys' parents, are already volunteering to help," says Alyward. "The family is on board with it, behind us 100 per cent."

Jordan, 9, and Devon, 7, both died on January 25, 2012, in an accidental fire. They were staying at a relative's house, fearing a wind storm would topple trees onto their own home. Their parents, Anitsa Hawkins and Kyle Evans, as well as brothers Kioki, 4, and William, 9, escaped the burning home.

To find out more about the Celebration of Life: Jordan and Devon Drake Memorial, how to make a donation and how specific contributions will be recognized, contact Cherie Alyward at (250) 390-4801 or pac.seaview@gmail.com.