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Salvaging the good from the summer of 2007

View from the Strip
By Casey Lessard

It’s fair to say it’s been a tough summer for our community.
Most obviously, we’ve had to deal with a murderer taking the lives of two of our own, Bill and Helene Regier. The act and subsequent mystery about the killer’s whereabouts made it difficult to grieve without wondering if he would strike again. The fact that the suspect, Jesse Imeson, was found in Quebec and believed to have been in that area since the day of the murders, stopped the worry but could not stop the emotional turmoil so many of our friends and neighbours have been facing. It hasn’t stopped the rumours, and we can only hope the impending trial will bring us some answers.
The summer has been tough on our farmers, bringing little relief from a drought that has already taken a toll on the quality and quantity of crop yields. Randy Regier (page 3) predicts his bean crop will yield 30 per cent less than hoped. He’s not alone, and with global warming, you have to wonder if we will be able to stop this year’s results from becoming a trend.
Fewer American tourists are coming to Ontario each year because of the strong Canadian dollar and all the effort it takes to get across the border. According to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, visits by Americans dropped one-third over the past five years and are expected to drop another five per cent this year.
We can’t control the weather or other people’s vacation plans, and we can’t predict when something bad is going to happen to our loved ones. Instead of being focused on the bad, we must work to tune into the good that is around us, even when it feels like there’s nothing to find.
I can’t tell you where you’ll find comfort this summer. Perhaps you’ll celebrate at the Zurich bean festival or you’ll spend your vacation at home and stimulate the local economy. Or perhaps you’ll find comfort in the words of the people who share your concerns. Some of them are printed on page 5 of this week’s issue, and many more can be found in the pages of our last issue, a tribute to Bill and Helene Regier. Either way, remember that you’re not alone.

If you would like to share the stories in our tribute issue, we are now making our remaining copies available for sale. Outside of the costs associated with shipping, the proceeds will go to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church restoration fund, the project the Regiers cared so deeply about.
Send us a cheque for $5 for each copy you would like (P.O. Box 218, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0) and we’ll forward $3 (that’s what we figure will be left) to the church.

Letters to the Editor - August 15

Our readers write…

Hi Casey,
Compliments on your paper in general, and special accolades for this special edition honouring the Regiers.
Although I didn’t have the pleasure to know them personally I feel I know Helene and Bill now and what they believed in and stood for through your various interviews with those who knew them so well. Refreshing to be able to read so much coverage about the victims instead of Jesse Imeson. How they lived their lives, their faith and witness in the Church and community has helped their family and friends and those that live in the area to start to heal and forgive the unthinkable deed done by a very troubled young man.
Thank you for your witness and thoughtful writing and reporting.
Sincerely,
Lynda Holmes

Hi Casey,
Just wanted to comment on your coverage of the tragedy in Grand Bend. Your sensitivity to the privacy and grief of others is to be commended and your online updates were timely and informative. The service you are giving your community, without sensationalism, regarding the wishes of family, services, information about the alleged murderer, pictures, truck description, etc. is excellent.
Jamie Hurley
Haliburton

Beautiful tribute! Well done, Casey!
Kelly (Glavin) Lorentz
Via Email

I just want to tell you Casey what a great job you and your staff did with the tribute to Bill and Helene. I know that this issue will be a keepsake for all who knew and loved them. Keep up the good work. Thank you for this beautiful gift.
Sincerely,
Nancy Rader
Dashwood

Dear Mr. Lessard,
I am a big fan of your paper. Since moving away a year ago it’s so nice to still be connected to your area with all the happenings and events. I was especially moved by your last issue with the tribute to the Regiers.
My favorite feature is the column each issue by Rita Lessard. But one thing puzzles me. Why are her columns so short? Rita and I go waaayyy back and I have never known her to write a short letter. The ones I receive are usually 7-9 pages long and beautifully written. Now, I can’t imagine that you would stifle her creativity by editing her words of love and wisdom. As her son, you must realize that each word she prints is carefully thought out and each paragraph is just as important to her as the next.
As the editor of the Strip, I’m sure you can find other ways to cut space so that Rita’s columns can be printed in their entirety!! Please don’t deny your readers her words of wisdom. We need more honesty and humor and Rita is the person to put it out there for all the world to see.
I can’t wait for my next issue to arrive. Thank you for listening.
Judith Angyal
London

Ed.: Thanks for your comments. As you know, this paper would not be possible without my mom’s contributions. She helps with writing, distribution and emergency financing. I try not to cut anything from her articles but sometimes it’s necessary. Please note this week’s article took mom five pages of 6”x9” note paper to write.

Dear Casey and the Grand Bend Strip,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the tickets to Miss Saigon. My husband and I attended the Sunday, July 22nd matinee and really enjoyed the show.
Thanks a million for the tickets.
Your paper is great. It’s really nice to see local people and businesses showcased.
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Sherry Selves

Ed.: Drayton Entertainment graciously gave Grand Bend Strip readers four pairs of tickets to each of Miss Saigon and Mom’s the Word.
Mom’s the Word winners: Carrie Hohner, Lisa McBride, Suzanne Toner, Deb McNair.
Miss Saigon winners: Lana Shelton-Seys, Jenny True, Patrick Adrian, and Sherry Selves.

Messages of condolence to the Regier family

Visitors to the GrandBendStrip.com website sent their messages of condolence to the Regier family after the murders of Bill and Helene Regier July 23:

Todd & Terri Lynn Cornies: With all of our deepest sympathy to all family and friends of Bill & Helene, we are deeply sorry for your loss.

Charlene Doak (London): So sorry about your loss. I just lost my Dad three months ago and know what a tremendous loss it is. Unfortunately, to lose someone you love this way is disgusting. Take care and my prayers are with you.

The Stranos (London): Sorry to hear about your terrible loss - our thoughts are with you.

Amy (London): I am very sorry for the loss of what I can only imagine were two very dedicated and beautiful people. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this extremely difficult time. Even though it was through tragedy, your parents have touched so many lives as we all come to know a little bit about them and see how beautiful and happy they were in their picture.

Shawnda: I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Mike Lessard & family (Oshawa): Our hearts and prayers go out to the Regier family at this time. We are sorry to hear of the loss of two loving and caring people. They will be sadly missed.

Kim-Marie (Windsor): My condolences to the Regier family. This is truly a tremendous loss no one should have to go through. May God guide you through your days of healing and always remember no one can take away your memories and the love you shared. Take care and may God bless and keep all of you safe.

Racine family (London): Our condolences to the Regier family. We all pray for you at this extremely difficult time.

Randy, Nicole, Kim and Ben Nicholson (Kincardine): Our prayers are with you in this time of need.

Julie Sinclair (Leamington): Sorry for your loss.

Dan, Brenda & Adam Hicks (Kitchener): We are really sad this happened. Please accept our sincerest condolences to your entire family and community.

Sherry Cook (Port Franks): My prayers are with your family at this very sad and unfortunate time. God bless you all.

Tawnya DeClark (Exeter): May God wrap his powerful arms around your whole family and give you the strength to get through these tough days. You’re in my prayers and may justice be served.

The Hughes family (London): Our deepest condolences. Stay strong and keep on praying.

Andreozzi family (Tecumseh): Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Jan MacDonald (Mazatlan, Mexico formerly of Crediton): I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Regier family.

Amanda Chambers and family (Woodstock): We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know we hold your family and community in our hearts and prayers as you go through this sad and lonely time.

Sister Joyce Smith (Waterdown): Please accept my sympathy and know that the entire family is being held in love and prayer. How tragic and sad! Your parents were wonderful and very kind. Hold all the good memories of life. Blessings!

Denis & Dawn McCann (Manitoulin Island): We are truly sorry this has happened and send our sincerest condolences to the entire Regier family.
Marissa (Windsor): Please know that my prayers and my family’s prayers are with you in this overwhelmingly painful time. What has happened is senseless and difficult to understand but we are praying for your strength and ability to move forward and see justice for Bill and Helene.

Diane (Leamington): I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Tammie & Ken Beecroft (St. Thomas): We are so sad and depressed over what happened to the beautiful Bill & Helene. Please know that everyone is at a loss to describe the sorrow we all feel. Please know that the public is also grieving with you. I wish there was more we could do for all the Regier family and the many, many other people who loved them.

Miss Hone (London): I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that your family will stay strong and remain inspired by Helene and Bill. With my deepest sympathy,

Sharon and Robert Dale and family (Exeter): Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. You have our heartfelt sympathies.

Jean Kargus (Foresters Falls): Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Helene and Bill

We can never know the depth of the pain the Regier family has experienced. I speak for my family and our community when I say our thoughts and prayers are with them all as they pursue healing and comfort.
I’ve learned a lot about our community this week. Learned a lot about Bill and Helene Regier, Jesse Imeson, the media, and myself, too.
I learned that Bill was more than just the man who cleaned the school my brothers and I attended all those years ago. More than the man with whom I would collect the offering at church. I learned about Helene and her life and loves. I learned that their strength, faith and love could not be shattered by one man.
I also learned about focus. To be focused means to be aware of your purpose and your intention.
Helene and Bill were focused on their goals in life: faith and family. For them, the two went hand in hand. Everyone who met them benefited, and their contributions will remain physically and spiritually in the Mount Carmel church community.
Jesse Imeson was focused enough to not let anything get in the way of what he wanted. We’ve all suffered as a result.
The media has been focused on the day’s headlines, learning as much as possible in as short of time as possible. Everyone wants to be the first with the story, no matter the cost.
Jamie Tomes, a family friend, addressed this last point after looking at my coverage on GrandBendStrip.com. He thought I had lost my focus, and at that time, I believe he was right.
My focus since then has been to remember what we lost Monday.
We lost two caring citizens and we also lost a part of ourselves.
We know we can never restore our innocents - Helene and Bill Regier. Let’s pray that we can restore our innocence.

Casey Lessard
Publisher/Editor

A prayer request from the Regiers

As presented to the media July 25 by Father Ray Lawhead

It is with profound shock and sadness that we come before you to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your support and prayers.
Bill & Helene were known as pillars of the community for their strong faith and family values. Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a huge advocate of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Restoration project. Helene has served with the Catholic Women’s League for more than 50 years and was a past London Diocesan president. Married for nearly 52 years, they raised 6 children and were deeply committed to their 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
No words and truly convey the loss our family is living through at this time.
Please pray with us for the protection of our community and the safety of the police force.

The gift of life can never be taken away

Message from Father Ray Lawhead as recorded at the Regier funeral

For the past week there’s been a lot of stories in the news. Sad things. News that’s rocked the community, rocked the friends and family, anyone who knew Bill and Helene. Not nice news.
But I’m here to tell you that I have some news for you and it is good news. It’s not mine. I’m passing it on. Doing much the same as Bill and Helene did the way they lived their lives. The news is that Jesus Christ has a gift for us. Many gifts in fact. But Jesus Christ has given us a very special gift. He has given us the gift of eternal life. The gift of life.
As we face this horrendous act, this evil, what do you do? How do we respond? As Jesus would say, and as Bill and Helene would say, there is only one response to evil like this and that is love. We must cling to and share that which is far more powerful than the evil that we’ve seen. That love heals. Love builds. Love is what gave us their lives in the first place.
We know that as Jesus lived his life on this earth walking with his apostles, he spent His whole life teaching and preaching and showing by example what it means to love. What it means to treat each other as a brother, as a sister. To build up life. But he confronted evil. Ultimately, in the end, it was extreme evil. Evil that resulted in the death of the Son of God.
And yet we know that death did not end in tragedy. That the love of Jesus Christ conquers. The love of Jesus Christ overcame. And what’s going to give us the courage and hope and strength to overcome is the same thing. It is the love of Jesus Christ. It is the love that we share among ourselves.
That love reminds us that we are a people who live in hope. That we are a people who are not afraid of tomorrow, because we know that Jesus has made promises to us. That he has promised never to leave us but he has prepared a place for us. That he has elevated all of us to that of the family of God. By virtue of our baptism, He claimed kinship divine. That we are united with the author of life.
In the gospel reading we heard how Jesus talks about how we might have life and have it to the full. Now you think about having life, you think you’re either alive or you’re not. But we grow in our love as we grow in life. The more love we are able to share, the more love we are able to except from Jesus Christ. The more fully alive we will be, because the more free we will be. We won’t have the fears, the anxieties. And that freedom allows us to reach out to people. To help them to realize there’s good news out there. We need to share that good news.
Bill and Helene lived their lives by that. They were an example. Not just to their family – a tremendous example to their family - but an example to the whole community, anyone who got to know them. And this is what we are called to be.
The greatest memorial to Bill and Helene is not money or even how well a litergy is performed. It’s the love that you share in your hearts. The love for Christ. The love for each other. Learning to take what we share today and bring it into your life. And bring it into your workplace, into your homes. Make sure people know that there is something to smile about.
Not matter how evil something may seem, no matter how under stress you may be, when you wake up in the morning you can smile because Jesus Christ is with us. Jesus Christ walks with us. We are His family.
Another part of scripture talking about the shepherd is where he says, “My sheep hear my voice. My sheep know me.” Do you hear Jesus? Can you hear Him? He’s been speaking all week long in a very special way. His words of comfort and love have been pouring from all over.
The community, the greater community, has been that example, that reminder to us of the gift that Jesus has given us. The gift of family. Beyond relations, we are united in spirit.
Jesus is speaking. He is talking directly to every one of you. As he looks in your eyes he’s asking you and telling you, “Don’t be afraid. The gifts that I give are yours forever. The gift of life that I give you, the gift of life that I gave Bill and Helene, can never be taken away. Ever.”

Imeson captured!!!

Story by Casey Lessard

Police say they have captured Jesse Norman Imeson in Quebec near the Ottawa border.

The 22 year old was wanted for the murders of Bill and Helene Regier in Mount Carmel and Carlos Rivera in Windsor.

Police tell CTV News Imeson was trying to break into a home in Portage-Du-Fort, Quebec, but was confronted by a homeowner and chased away.

Quebec and Ontario police officers found Imeson in a nearby wooded area just before 9 p.m.

Watch video report by Roger Smith of CTV

Regiers’ truck found near Ottawa; residents on high alert

Residents of Renfrew, near Ottawa, are on high alert for Jesse Imeson after an area resident found the Regiers’ stolen 2006 GMC Sierra pickup truck Monday night. The truck was in a heavily wooded area off Kerr Line, White Water Region.

The discovery comes one week after Bill and Helene Regier were killed at their Mount Carmel farm house, and only hours after they were laid to rest.

Forensics teams will scour the vehicle for clues while Renfrew OPP, the East Region Emergency Response Team, East Region canine team and OPP air unit search the area.

Jesse Norman Imeson (see photos) is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information about this case should call police at:

1-877-584-8477

Police say Taurus not linked to Regier murders; still looking for truck

Story by Casey Lessard

Forensics teams say the green Ford Taurus stolen from a home near the farm of Bill and Helene Regier the day before they were killed was not connected to their murders.

The car was stolen in connection with a break-and-enter two concessions east of the Regier home, as were two rifles. Police have not said whether they were the guns used in the murders.

Police are still looking for help locating the Regiers’ silver 2006 GMC Sierra Z71, four door pickup truck, with Ontario licence number JK8 334.

They say building superintendents, parking lot attendants and commuters especially should keep an eye out for this vehicle in case it has been abandoned.

The outstanding 2006 GMC Sierra Z71, 4 Door pickup truck has some distinct features:

- Z 71 stickers on rear sides of box
- Full stainless steel “tube style” running boards
- Front and rear molded mud flaps
- Tinted bug deflector (hood)
- Tinted window visors (above all 4 doors)
- HMP “Exeter” licence plate holder

Do not attempt to stop the vehicle. If located call 911.

If you have any other information regarding this case, call:
1-877-584-8477

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