Auger family hoping for justice
Family and friends of a man hit by a truck in April 2010 kept a vigil on the steps of the Prince George courthouse Wednesday – as they have done every day during the week-long trial of Gordon Mayward Kerr, who was charged with manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death in the case.
Children and adults carried placards with family photos and posters bearing the words “Justice for Sam.” Several motorists on George Street honked in support as they went by Wednesday. Later that day, a Supreme Court jury found Kerr, 51, guilty of criminal negligence causing death.
Since the start of the trial on June 4, the small crowd outside the courthouse has waited not just for justice but for closure. Samuel Charles Auger, 29, died April 28, 2010, nine days after suffering severe brain injuries resulting from an altercation between the two men at a convenience store along East Central Street.
But while the court proceedings have ended, the pain goes on for members of Auger’s family, including his daughters, Shayna Patrick and Kyanna Patrick.
“I miss my Dad,” said Shayna who stood across the street, looking up at the courthouse dome with tears in her eyes.
Kyanna nods in agreement.
“These are the pictures of us together,” Shayna says, pointing out a collage of happy family photos.
In addition to the two girls, Auger has three other children.
Josh Auger, Samuel’s older brother, said they come from a big family of five boys and two girls. His whole family has been following the trial, he said. His brother’s death, at such an early age, has left a deep wound.
“He was a very loving father,” Josh said.
Kelly Patrick, mother of Shayna and Kyanna, said the whole family feels the loss of their father, brother and sibling. What does she miss most?
“Everything,” she said, simply. “His smile, his laughter. Sam did everything with his kids and for his kids. He was all about his kids ... and now they are left without a father. He was dedicated to making his family happy. We just hope to have justice for Sam.”
Karen Clayton, Samuel Auger’s sister-in-law described the heartbreaking aftermath of events two years ago after Samuel was hit by a truck driven by Kerr.
“We went to Vancouver where doctors told us that Sam was brain dead. He was kept alive in hospital there for nine days. It’s been a tough two years. My son was born on Sam’s birthday last year and Sam will never know him. We have a placard over there (she points to an uplifted poster) with all the babies born in our family (since his death) who will never get to meet him.”
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