Lisa Marie Young's father, Don Young, was among about 30 people who shovelled dirt to stabilize a tree in her missing daughter's honour. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

waterfront tribute

Waterfront dedication site unveiled for Nanaimo’s Lisa Marie Young

Oct 18, 2024 | 2:30 PM

NANAIMO — A tree and plaque dedication ceremony during a torrential downpour drew family and friends who’ve faced infinitely harsher challenges over the past 22-plus years.

In partnership between the City of Nanaimo and advocates of Lisa Marie Young, a cherry tree and plaque in her honour was revealed at the north end of the waterfront walkway at Departure Bay Beach on Friday, Oct. 18.

Young, 21 years old at the time of her disappearance, is a presumed homicide victim after she was believed to have been taken against her will in Nanaimo in the early morning hours of July1, 2002.

Lisa Young’s family requested that a Kwanzan Cherry tree be planted in her honour since it blooms annually around her May 5 birthday (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Moses Martin, Young’s grandfather, had tears rolling down his eyes as he addressed a crowd of about 100 people as rain poured and heavy winds whipped off the ocean.

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Martin said “its been very uplifting” seeing so many people show their support during less than ideal conditions.

“It’s something that’s very difficult for us still as a family because we haven’t brought any closure to it,” he said.

A site recognizing her granddaughter and other missing and murdered Indigenous females and two-spirit people holds deep meaning, Martin said.

He recalled being on multiple search efforts for his granddaughter, feeling torn about what they could uncover.

“As we were coming to the search area we’d be praying that we’d find Lisa’s remains. And then once we’d get closer I’d pray the other way hoping that she’d still be alive,” Martin said.

Moses Martin, Lisa Young’s grandfather. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Lisa’s father, Don Young, and many others took turns shovelling soil on to Lisa’s tree.

Young looks forward to spending more time there.

“It’s just nice to see everybody supporting her…a lot of people know about it, it’s nice that people are still involved in supporting,” he said.

Mayor Leonard Krog told the crowd what happened to Young highlights the prevalence of gender-based violence and the importance of intervening when necessary.

He said Young’s case shows that raising good sons is paramount.

“It is not up to us just as a collective, it is up to us as citizens, and it’s up to leadership,” Krog said.

Frustrating investigation

Despite numerous organized RCMP and informal searches by family and friends, Young’s remains have never been found.

Nobody has been arrested or charged in her disappearance, which remains an ongoing Nanaimo RCMP investigation.

Young’s case is the focus of ongoing public awareness events, most notably an annual march during the Canada Day Long weekend between the Nanaimo RCMP detachment and Maffeo Sutton Park.

Young’s disappearance received vastly increased interest following a compelling podcast series by former Vancouver newsroom producer Laura Palmer.

Island Crime Season 1: Where is Lisa? is available on multiple podcast platforms.

In the months following the release of the podcast, several witnesses police said were hesitant to come forward previously had provided “credible and important” information to their investigation.

A dedication plaque at Departure Bay Beach pays tribute to Young and other murdered/missing Indigenous females and two spirited people. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Lisa Marie Young with her trademark bright smile. (submitted photo)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes