THUNDER BAY — A memorial for local residents' lost loved ones is now in place in the Butterfly Garden on the east side of Boulevard Lake.
The metal artwork was created by Thunder Bay artist Luc Despres, and commissioned by Hospice Northwest.
It's a butterfly-filled Wall of Remembrance, inspired by the annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser.
The butterfly has been adopted as a symbol by hospice organizations around the world, representing transformation and hope.
The artwork will be a focal point for participants in the annual walk, giving them an opportunity to pause and reflect, or tie a ribbon to the wall of remembrance.
When Hospice Northwest announced the project last year, executive director Cherie Kok said "It's part of the healing process. And being part of a walk and memorializing people makes people realize there are others that have gone through the same things...and you feel supported."
This year's walk, scheduled for May 3, has been postponed to Sept. 13.
Kok noted that the memorial "is also going to be there year-round for folks to sit and reflect on somebody that they may have lost during the year."
Despres, the owner of Despres Metal Artwork, has said he was inspired by what Hospice Northwest does for patients and their families dealing with end-of-life care.
