Editor:
There are moments in life when the strength of a community is measured not by grand gestures, but by the steadfast support of its people. The Kyle family has recently been reminded of this truth through the restoration of the memorial bench dedicated to our beloved Hayden Kyle — son, brother, and friend — who passed away in 2014.
The bench, a beautiful cedar seat overlooking Georgia Beach, was originally donated and installed in 2015 by the generous efforts of Joy Huddleston, Colleen Pike, and the Town of Gibsons, whose kindness we will never forget. Georgia Beach, where Hayden shared so many cherished moments with family, and has become a place where his memory is anchored by the sea, where –– much like his father –– Hayden loved to be.
As time weathered the bench’s wood and stone, the need for restoration became evident. Our deepest gratitude goes to Kal Klasen, a family friend whose humour and carpentry expertise made this project possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teams at Rental Equip, Ross Concrete, Swanson Concrete, and KJS Contracting for their labour and contributions. Your kindness has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
In a world often too preoccupied with its own pace, it is the simple acts of kindness, the coming together of friends, neighbors, and even strangers, that remind us of what truly matters. The recent revival of this bench is a testament to the enduring spirit of both Gibsons and Hayden’s memory.
We are forever grateful to all who played a part in this restoration.
Sincerely,
The Kyle Family
