By Chad Klassen

Construction complete on memorial bench in honour of Jennifer Gatey

Jun 26, 2017 | 4:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — Eight months after 16-year-old Jennifer Gatey was killed in a hit and run in Aberdeen, a memorial bench in her name is finished and on display. 

City of Kamloops staff put the final touches on the bench on Monday afternoon, installing the plaque honouring Gatey as a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Since her death, students at Pacific Way Elementary School have been raising money for a bench at the bus stop where she was hit, and for another near the school.

“It’s a sad thing that happened, but I’m glad that we get to do something so people can remember her,” said Grade 7 student Kennedy Michels, who spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the benches. “To have the bench there is such a great thing, because people can sit down and her parents can come and visit there at the site, and every day people can use it at the bus stop, so the tragedy doesn’t re-happen.”

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Michels, Gatey’s father Cameron, and others from Pacific Way will be in attendance at an event for the new bench on Wednesday. 

by Chad Klassen

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