‘It just aches my soul’: Salmon Arm community in mourning after shooting death

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Local residents laid flowers next to the church on Monday to honor a life gone so tragically.

A woman came by to drop off flowers near the church of Christ in Salmon Arm #SalmonArmShooting pic.twitter.com/Zkg5rP6QQI

— Vernon Matters (@VernonMattersca) April 15, 2019

‘It’s Horrific’

Bernie Hucel’s business is located right across the street from the Church of Christ.

“It’s horrific, we just feel so sorry for those people that are involved, especially the congregation how something like that can happen, and a death here in Salmon Arm, it’s horrible,” said Hucel.

“That church is very quiet you never hear, you know they are pretty low profile, so we don’t hear much from it.” he said.

“I can’t even imagine, I mean, I don’t know why people do this, it just aches my soul,” said Salmon Arm resident Debra Rich.

According to those who knew him, Parmenter was a father, grandfather and known foster parent.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to honor Gord Parmenter and to provide support for his wife Peggy.

In the description, the page reads:

“We regard his attacker and his family with love, not hostility as Jesus loved those who nailed him to the cross. We are sad beyond description and we crave your prayers but we know God is good and we put our trust in him just like our father Gordon did. Many knew him as Poppa and many went to bed dreaming of him last night. Thank you for your care in this time of loss. Peggy is heartbroken but strong like a tower.”

This is the second time tragedy has struck for the family.

On March 14, the victim’s home burned to the ground at the Broadview Mobile Home Villa.

It’s unclear if the shooting incident or the fire are connected.

New details on the suspect in the shooting at the Church of Christ in #salmonarm #SalmonArmShooting pic.twitter.com/xBW9jfkQWB

— Vernon Matters (@VernonMattersca) April 15, 2019

25 year-old Matrix Savage Gathergood has been charged with first degree murder, aggravated assault and disguise with intent to commit an indictable offense.

It is believed the suspect and the victim knew each other.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Gathergood is a resident of Salmon Arm and attended Salmon Arm Secondary.

He graduated from the school in June 2012.

According to those who went to school with him, Gathergood seemed like a normal guy who was very athletic, had friends and loved to work out and play rugby.

“The guy was always super helpful in gym and fitness, just a real unit of a guy,” said one former classmate.

Gathergood played for the school’s rugby and wrestling teams.

His next court appearance is scheduled for April 23, 2019.

‘It just aches my soul.’

Support continues to pour in for the 78-year-old victim and those who witnessed the tragic shooting.

The City of Salmon Arm released a statement on Monday morning that was posted to Twitter.

https://twitter.com/SalmonArmBC/status/1117857976398667778

A fund has been set up for the family of Gord Parmenter at the SASCU Credit Union’s uptown and downtown branches.