Friday
June 5, 2015 (Vol. 40 No. 45)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Joint effort: White Rock Triton Tom Melenchuk has his sights set on a college baseball scholarship, and an elbow injury – which will require expensive surgery to correct – is all that stands in his way. i see page 29
Two schools in lockdown, as emergency crews respond to report of violent domestic incident
Prank 911 call triggers huge response Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
A prank call reporting shots fired and a violent domestic incident sent two schools into emergency lockdown and massive police resources to a South Surrey neighbourhood Wednesday. Police were advised around noon of the 911 call received by the BC Ambulance Service, and were on the scene of a home in a cul-de-sac in the 14600-block of 17A Street “within a couple minutes.” An hour later, however, the issue was confirmed a non-event. “What we discovered is this is a fictitious, prank call,” acting Insp. Keith Bramhill told reporters. “There was a lone female occupant that was… distraught to see the police presence outside her home.” Resources deployed included the RCMP’s tactical armoured vehicle, the Emergency Response Team, a canine unit and about a dozen other police vehicles. Firefighters and paramedics were also on-scene. Residents reported seeing police staking out the house from behind trees, prior to the alert being lifted. i see page 4
Tracy Holmes photo
Heavily armed police and the Mounties’ tactical armoured vehicle clear from a South Surrey neighbourhood Wednesday after receiving a 911 call.
23-year-old’s positivity in face of cancer continues to inspire
‘Bucket list’ endures as brother’s spirit lives on Melissa Smalley
E
Staff Reporter
Contributed photo
Dorchester pushed limits.
very time he looks in the mirror, Guy Dorchester is reminded of his younger brother, Eric, who passed away in April at age 23. The reminder doesn’t come by way of the sibling resemblance shared by the two brothers. Rather, it’s from a scar on the elder Dorchester’s forehead, a souvenir of sorts from a trip the two took to Hawaii, during a reprieve from Eric’s intense chemotherapy schedule. While relaxing poolside on the first day of their vacation, Eric ambushed Guy, pulling him into the swimming pool, where Guy cracked his head
on the bottom of the pool. Though he ended up with 14 stitches – and strict orders to keep his head out of Hawaiian waters for the remainder of his trip – Guy recalls the story fondly, as it highlights not only his late brother’s sense of humour, but a perspective that Eric held steadfast throughout his battle. “Whether it be a vicious scar on your face or the loss of a leg, it’s all superficial, and if you can’t laugh at yourself, you aren’t enjoying life to the fullest,” Guy told a crowd of 400 at Eric’s celebration of life May 2. Eric was 18 and studying at the University of Victoria when he was first diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma in 2010 – the same cancer
Canadian hero Terry Fox had. Two years later, doctors amputated Eric’s left leg above the knee, and he embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program to regain his mobility. Not only did he learn to walk again, the Earl Marriott grad was able to take part in his favourite activities, including snowboarding, wake boarding and rock climbing. Featured in Peace Arch News in 2013, a year after his amputation, Eric said losing his limb “probably made me a better person.” “I enjoy breaking barriers and pushing my limits,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m happy or accomplishing something unless I’m equal or better than the average person.”
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His positive outlook and refusal to let limitations hold him back – qualities that Guy said he exhibited throughout his entire battle – are aspects of Eric’s legacy that his family hopes to carry on in his name. “He was more active after his amputation than he was before,” Guy said. “He had a zest for life, and he inspired all those around him. He made people realize that nobody has really got it that bad – it’s all based on your perspective.” Guy said he and his parents, Allison and Ted, are hoping to eventually team up with an organization that provides assistance to amputees wanting to take part in sports. i see page 4
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