Friends of Karel van de Wijngaard and Lynn Ball are gathering the necessary funds to place a memorial bench on the Farmers Market grounds to both honour and remember their dedication and service to the community.
Stephanie Bird, owner and operator of Slow Train Farm north of Williams Lake was out collecting funds for the memorial bench on Aug. 17 at the Williams Lake Farmers Market and spoke briefly about what the two individuals meant to the community.
“Lynn was a very active board member,” said Bird. “She was always actively promoting the farmers market. She was always a presence here, and she became a real great contact for a lot of people here because she was such an established presence in the community for so long.
“She was able to communicate with the city, so we really valued having her on the board. She wasn’t always out selling at the market, but she was a huge promoter and supporter of the market, so it was a real shock when she passed away in the spring. It was a huge loss for us at the market.”
Bird also spoke on the sudden passing of van de Wijngaard and what he meant to the market.
“Karel was our manager here for I think over a year,” explained Bird. “He had a great personality and was a super funny, warm, wonderful addition to our team here. It was a real shock when he passed as well, and we’ve definitely felt it here.
“It was kind of a double whammy, because we moved to this new location and then we lost two of the most important members of our crew here. We all really feel the loss of both of them, so we’re trying to raise enough money to honour them in the way we can.”
In a Facebook post, Bird explained that if the funds raised exceed the required amount of approximately $770, then any excess funds will be returned on a pro-rated basis.
Additionally, if enough money is raised two benches may be erected.
For those wishing to contribute, please contact the Williams Lake Farmers Market.
