A memorial to long-time Vancouver Yukoners’ Association (VYA) member and contributor who went down the trail in February 2023 has been placed by the City of Whitehorse Parks and Recreation Department in Shipyards Park at the instigation of the Vancouver Yukoners’ Association.
Fellow VYA members wanted to recognize the service and contribution to the association made by Vivian over many years and so initiated, under the skillful helm of Jim Perry, the process of getting a memorial put into place during the current year (2023). Initially, it was discussed by the VYA executive that a memorial bench might be installed, however, it was learned that this was not possible for this year, as all the benches for the year had been already dedicated. Plans were then modified and agreed to by the executive about the possibility of a tree memorial as an alternative. This plan was accepted by the city so with the affirmation of the VYA, the Lelievre family and the City of Whitehorse the tree memorial with a plaque was installed in Shipyards Park in August 2023.
The chosen tree is a Siberian Larch, a hardy Northern species and is expected to blossom into a wonderful tree. The location provides a view of the train tracks and park building.
A big thanks to the Executive of the VYA for initiating and approving the project, to Vivian’s family who supported it whole-heartedly and to Jim Perry for guiding it to its completion.
Below are photos of the tree and plaque.
