I am writing regarding the article titled, “Locke man killed in crash” in Saturday's paper (April 12). It is obvious that the person writing the article had some doubts too, as they didn't have enough courage to print their name, but rather make it a group effort, crediting “The Citizen staff.”
As a classmate of Gary (who was killed tragically Friday morning in a car accident), I was beyond furious when I read the article. I believe it is fair to say that 25 years old is way too young to die. More disturbing yet is that you felt you needed to focus on the negative part of Gary's past. Does it really matter now what Gary's legal history was?
Did you know that Gary had two beautiful children? Two children who are traumatized enough with the news of their father's death. Can you imagine the thoughts going through their heads a few years down the road when they are old enough to read and come across the article?
Did you know that Gary had a great family and many friends who loved him a lot? I am sure Gary's family woke up Saturday morning (the morning after the accident) just hoping and praying it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, they were faced with reality when they saw the front page of The Citizen. They were forced to read an article suggesting what a criminal Gary was, written by someone who didn't know Gary at all.
I believe it is common courtesy and decency to focus on the positive and good part of people after they have passed before us. As I have heard people say, “You don't kick people when they are down.”
I believe it is your duty to personally apologize to Gary's family. Everyone does make mistakes, some bigger than others, but it is important that we as human beings recognize and act upon our mistakes.
To Gary's family: I cannot express how sorry I am. Gary was indeed a good guy. I have many fond memories of Gary!
Krista Bowman
King Ferry
Did you know that Gary had two beautiful children? Two children who are traumatized enough with the news of their father's death. Can you imagine the thoughts going through their heads a few years down the road when they are old enough to read and come across the article?
Did you know that Gary had a great family and many friends who loved him a lot? I am sure Gary's family woke up Saturday morning (the morning after the accident) just hoping and praying it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, they were faced with reality when they saw the front page of The Citizen. They were forced to read an article suggesting what a criminal Gary was, written by someone who didn't know Gary at all.
I believe it is common courtesy and decency to focus on the positive and good part of people after they have passed before us. As I have heard people say, “You don't kick people when they are down.”
I believe it is your duty to personally apologize to Gary's family. Everyone does make mistakes, some bigger than others, but it is important that we as human beings recognize and act upon our mistakes.
To Gary's family: I cannot express how sorry I am. Gary was indeed a good guy. I have many fond memories of Gary!
Krista Bowman
King Ferry
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 7 comment(s)
Farmer's Gal wrote on Apr 17, 2008 10:19 AM:
Condolences to the family and friends: when you read less than positive things about this young man in the paper, remember that he was a whole person, with flaws as well as strengths, who made mistakes but also made efforts to correct and outgrow them, and remember him as someone who did have a positive influence on some of the lives his touched. "
USA wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:16 PM:
dd wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:01 PM:
pamnewyork wrote on Apr 16, 2008 6:52 PM:
I don't know you but I appreciate your comments and I am sure that all of his loved ones will too. Gary was an exceptional young man. He worked for and with his dad, who is now faced with the loss of his beloved Gary and only employee. I has the pleasure of knowing Gary and he was a kind and sweet guy. He had a great sense of humor and a never ending smile. He loved his kids, his dad and all of his circle of family and friends. His love of outdoors showed the nature of his spirit. He loved poetry, his soft and spiritual side. He was a devoted father, his sense of responsibilty. Gary, like so many of us, made some mistakes in his life and was trying to make a better life for he and his family. None of us are without bad choices in life, or we would all be perfect. This is an extremely hard time for all of his family. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could help them in their time of need? I intend to do whatever I can to help them get through this horrific time in their lives. We all have the right to an opinion but it's time to do the christian thing. The citizen was very cruel in the way they reported the incident! How would any of you feel if this were your family member or even a friend of your families? God is the only one that has the right to judge us. Please keep that in mind when you make any comments. "
TommyO wrote on Apr 16, 2008 4:46 PM:
You and the press are uncaring morons! "
karl L wrote on Apr 16, 2008 2:04 PM:
brew1234 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 1:09 PM: