 Premier Dalton McGuinty at the funeral. (Morris Lamont The London Free Press)
|
LONDON, Ont. -- What family, friends and even complete strangers drawn to the funeral said about slain OPP Const. Vu Pham and why they were there.
"As hard as it is, I believe forgiveness is the only way to release us from the pain and the anger."
Heather Pham, the officer's widow, in forgiving her husband's killer.
"Dear Daddy: you are the best daddy in the world."
Seven-year-old Joshua Pham, one of Pham's three young sons.
"Dear Daddy, I miss you. I loved going hunting with you. I will miss you, but you are home."
Tyler Pham, 12.
"I was sure that I would die that day (of the shootout). He (Pham) stood beside me and I didn't die that day because Vu Pham saved my life," his spirit giving him the strength to endure the gunfight.
OPP Const. Dell Mercey, Pham's partner, who exchanged fire with the accused shooter in Pham's death.
"We can't reverse this tragedy, but we can help ease the pain of this loss."
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino
Pham was "a pillar of a close-knit community."
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
"To show support, that's all. You take them for granted when they give you a speeding ticket, but they're there when you need them."
Maureen Hopf, Wingham
"They do their job so we can be safe. I'm here just to show respect for the fallen man."
Merle Underwood, Chesley
"I don't know the officer, but something made me come here. They do their job but they shouldn't have to die for that."
Anthony Parker, Harriston
"It's a pretty brutal thing. I just thought it was important (to be here) for the family."
Robert Armstrong, who rode his bicycle from Goderich
"It gets dark and lonely out there . . . . But if you ever need them, they're there."
Brad Matheson, Molesworth
"May God comfort those poor little boys and their mother today and in the hard days to come."
An unidentified mourner, who followed the funeral online at lfpress.com
