Queen Elizabeth II Service at Riverside Park Cenotaph on September 19 (Image Credit: CFJC)

By Connor Gunn

PAYING RESPECTS

Kamloops pays respects to Queen Elizabeth II; locals reflect on her life

Sep 20, 2022 | 11:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — On the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Kamloops residents, veterans and government officials paid their respects.

“To say she had great affection for Canada and its people, would be an understatement,” says Robin Steel, Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army.

Hundreds gathered at the Riverside Park cenotaph to remember the life of the queen on Monday (Sept. 19).

Tales were told of the times she visited Kamloops and locals reflected on her service to the United Kingdom, Canada and the World.

“Through her military service she was a shining example of what we should be, the dignity of which she served, the example of with she served, and the grace of with she served were all exemplary and we will remember her for many years to come,” says Frank Caputo, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP.

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“That to me is timeless, tireless service, that we can only hope to emulate,” Steel adds.

“People irrespective of their position on the monarchy really have a great admiration for Queen Elizabeth and everything she has done of over 70 years of reign so in Kamloops, as in other cities we wanted to pay our respects,” says Mayor Ken Christian.

A ceremony similar to a Remembrance Day occasion was performed as locals were able to lay flowers for the late queen.

“I think the people that came today had their own reasons for wanting to come but this was an opportunity for them to personally express their condolences,” Christian adds.

Steel spoke about his time serving in the British Army and says he even had the pleasure of meeting her.

“Talking to the queen, you engage with a person and they’re either open and engaging with you or they’re not. Her majesty was open and engaging, and charming with a lovely smile to everybody that she met.”

Steel along with others say it’s a testament to the impact she had on the world.

“She was a truly remarkable lady, the likes of which we are unlikely to see again. We humbly send our condolences to the royal family, may she rest in peace,” adds Steel.