I agree with Ex-Island girl as we left our secure work, home, organic garden, animals and beloved Island home due to the disinterest of others in our plight living next door to a violent bully who did not recognize our title to our own land. These same Hornby Islanders watched as 3 nights before Pest's death, the alleged murderer followed us down in to the darkness of the Ford's Cove Marina without a word of warning. All expressions are considered "creative" on Hornby and are to be left entirely uncensored. One would never survive the assault on one's soul and ability to live and work there if you break this taboo.  Those who live there too long lose perspective, as I did, and take it as entirely normal. Throughout my encounter with this erratic, adrenaline,angry man, at least I had the perspective to realize he needed help. One cannot face a bully alone. Of all the community members I could hear 100 yards away, who could we go back to for help? From our many  experiences there- absolutely no-one. The community thinks the solution is to screen "outsiders".

I guess the price some locals and children have paid at the hands of other Islanders is exempt. If they are silent or move away, all is good. Except the stakes are getting higher.

I did not know this beautiful spirit , but this world is much poorer for the loss of her.

Small comfort to all who loved her but indeed you were fortunate to have known such a bright and shining light.

I love Hornby. I have never met the beautiful Tempest Grace, but I do know she is a sister of all us. I hope the person who did this to her can get the help they need to turn their life around and give back to the world in the future instead of taking from it. I feel a womanly rage in my  heart. I hope people will love each other more and help each other more. That would make the world a better place. Maybe that would please her soul. There isn't much distance between humans, what happens to others effects others. Even the little good things count. Thanks for listening. Peace sister.

Pest, you were amazing person, artist, poet, and everything you did. My condolences to the family, we are turly sadden by the news. You were very loved by all who meet you.

grace i love you, i miss you, watch over us now as you did in live.  

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?

And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

kahlil gibran

Just a note, for those who have used this as a forum to discuss your views on firearms and capital punishment: Pest was one of my closest friends. She would despise you saying such things in the first place, but discussing them in comments on an article pertaining to her death is nothing less than shameful. Her story is of a life of beauty. Let it remain so.  

Well miss you Pest you were a unique ray of sunshine!

Unfortunately the smaller gulf islands have no police presence and trouble makers know it. I am very glad to have moved away from a small gulf island with no police, because bullying and antisocial behaviour was rampant and they knew nothing was going to be done about it. I felt like it was just a matter of time before things accelerated to this level. How unfortunate.

Tempest. I love you, now & forever. You have been one of the most beautiful people in my life. You've inspired me, encouraged me, nurtured me. I will miss you.

My sincere condolences to the family.  I have children of my own.  I learned a long time ago that with Wolves in our midst, one cannot rely on the police to protect family or friends.  It is becoming more and more obvious that if the Liberal governments of our time would allow responsible, mature citizens with no criminal history and training, the right to self-protection, the right to carry a firearm, there would be fewer stories like these!  Simply tragic, but even more so to me that she was defenseless and wasn't able to put a bullet into her attacker.  That is just my opinion.  Again, my honest and heartfelt condolences to your family.  

Tempest Grace was a gentle person. She would not look for vengeance, nor would her parents. If a person did this, he will suffer from his actions, whatever  the government does or does not do. This transgression will forever be an albatross around his neck.

Tempest Grace would not see "an eye for an eye" as "justice." Let us honor her memory in a similar gentle spirit. Yes, he may deserve some sort of punishment, but the Universe takes care of balancing the books. No government, however intrusive, can prevent a random act of violence.

Let us remember her with a peaceful heart, and leave "justice" to a higher power.

I had the pleasure of being her Vice-Principal at G. P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay.  I still recall Grace walking into the office her first day from Oregon dressed in Gothic style before Gothic has reached the Island.  She proved to be a kind, intelligent, strong-minded and good hearted person who many admired.  She made the daily trek on four buses and four ferries along with the other Hornby students but she came the furthest living on a boat at Ford's Cove on the far end of Hornby  Island.  She loved performing and became beloved on Hornby Island and throughout the Comox Valley.  Special condolences to her family, boyfriend and to the many mourners on Hornby.  Be assured, you will be remembered fondly by many!!

she was so rad and the heart of a poet. peace and good vibes be with her and angels watch pver her now.

Pest was one of those people that you didn't have to be with to enjoy. Just knowing that she was on this earth made me smile. There is a hole in our lives today; I can not smile.

Memories will bring back the smile. The hole will always be there for all who knew her.

What a beautiful young woman we have lost.  Losing anyone is hard, but when that person is talented, committed to living life to its fullest and demonstrating what true spirit is all about, they leave an huge empty space behind them.  What fills it is a circle of love around everyone whose lives she touched--and there are many of us.