Shooting victim Vince Dillon remembered with Haley's Walk
The family of a man murdered in Conception Bay South last fall held Haley's Walk on the weekend, an event that commemorated the "gentle giant's" love for animals.
Vince Dillon and Juliane Hibbs were killed in C.B.S. by Hibbs' ex boyfriend last fall in a violent shooting that shocked the community.
Dillon's sister Paula organized the event, which was named after Haley, the dog that Vince and Juliane loved.
Haley was in Dillon's vehicle at the time of the murder, and ran away when the shooting took place.
The family was relieved when Haley returned home six days later, which partly inspired the family to go ahead with the memorial walk named after the dog.
Paula Dillon, who now cares for Haley, is still grieving the death of her brother Vince. She said Haley is like a living link to her brother, who was a gentle caring, person.
"He was generous, he was kind, he helped a lot of people out (and) he helped me a lot of times," said Dillon.
Vince Dillon's first cousin Gerald Wadden said his murdered cousin may have looked intimidating, but he had a big heart.
"Vince was a gentle giant," said Wadden. "He was a big man, but he wouldn't hurt any one. He loved his family, he loved dogs, he loved pets, cats, you name it he loved everything."
Wadden believes his cousin had a bright future ahead of him with Juliane Hibbs.
"They should have been married. they should have had kids," he said. "They should have had Haley and been going for walks with strollers, but unfortunately a jealous man took that away from them."
Sunday's walk raised money for the SPCA. Family and friends hope to make the memorial and fundraiser an annual event.