Three weeks ago my second cousin, and dear friend, died alone at her house in Vancouver, BC.

Because it is not protocol to inform family members of a death over the phone, BC police called on deputy Raymond Harvey to come over to my home and tell me that Margaret had died.

Even though it’s part of a police officer’s job, I can imagine having to give people this kind of news is one of the least sought after chores.

Deputy Harvey’s open-hearted kindness and genuine concern went a long way in reducing the shock and impact that I felt. He made it a profoundly human moment.

I came away from this interaction with a sense of deep gratitude knowing that we have such a good, compassionate man with clear integrity as one of this island’s policemen.

Tom Meadows

Orcas Island