iN VIDEO: ‘Respect’ compels Kamloops violinist to play at Snowbirds memorial

A local violinist has been paying tribute at the Snowbirds memorial in her own way — through song.

Eva Wright has been playing violin at the memorial set up for Capt. Jenn Casey at the Kamloops Airport. She visits the memorial daily, whether she plays or not.

“I’m not the greatest player, but I was impacted by the bravery of our fallen, the Snowbirds, and the love of all the people in our community," Wright said.

Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer Capt. Casey died in the plane crash in Brocklehurst May 17. Pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall is currently recovering from his injuries.

"I was very excited to see the Snowbirds, because it was my first time," Wright said. "I’m going to do the best I can to just show my respect to (Capt. Casey) and the whole team who came to bring cheer to me personally, to everybody in this community."

Wright is compelled to play at the memorial because she feels such a personal connection to the Snowbirds.

Her son is an Air Cadet in the 204 Black Maria Squadron, and his great grandfather was in the military. 

She also feels sympathy for Capt. Casey's family, as she herself experienced an unexpected family tragedy not long ago. 

The tributes are still pouring in at the memorial, with people coming and going to pay their respects. 

"I talk to them when I stop playing and (ask) how do you feel?" she said. "Sometimes they can’t even say a thing."

Wright looks forward to visiting the memorial, as paying tribute helps push away the grief she has felt since the incident.

This Friday, the memorial will be carefully dismantled by the City of Kamloops and the Rocky Mountain Rangers. Items will be preserved, and when possible, delivered to the Casey family, Capt. MacDougall and the Snowbirds by the Canadian Armed Forces.

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