Canada Day has a sad but special meaning for many people in the Hope and Boston Bar region - the day filled not only with happy memories of a beloved community member but sorrow for his loss at the hands of a drunk driver.

Murray Sullivan, a young father and mill worker, was killed in Boston Bar as he pulled out onto the highway heading home to Hope after a hard day at work. The accident occurred on July 1, 1999.

Ten years later Canada Day is still a day that friends and family gather in Boston Bar to remember him and care for his roadside memorial. Today the white rocks encircling his cross and photo shine a little brighter.

A Cadillac being driven by a young man who was later found guilty of impaired driving causing death hit Murray Sullivan’s blue pick-up truck. The accident tore apart the Cadillac and a second car. Along with Murray, another person was killed in the crash and two others were seriously injured. The caddy’s speed at the time of the crash is estimated to have been as high as 120 kilometers per hour in a 60 kph speed zone.

Today Constable Dwayne Farlin took some personal time to remember his friend joining a Boston Bar RCMP officer and an officer with Fraser Valley Traffic Services for a four-hour enforcement push.

“We have had speeds of 103 kph today…. It could happen again,” said Farlin, standing alongside Murray’s memorial, as the holiday traffic flew past. Constable Chad Gravelle with the Boston Bar RCMP remained by the roadside handing out tickets and reminding people of Murray’s accident.

“We have had some people leave in tears on hearing Murray’s story,” said Farlin.

Farlin was just 12 years old when he would hit the ice at the Hope arena with the 20 years old Murray Sullivan. Farlin was just learning the ropes on how to be a great referee and Sullivan was his teacher. Murray was an impassioned supporter of Hope Minor Hockey and kids.

To the young constable he was a mentor who taught him to think about the consequences to his actions, to take responsibility for his actions, and to respect others.

“Without Murray’s guidance I don’t think I would be where I am today.”

Sullivan was also a dedicated member of Hope Search and Rescue. On July 1, 1999 the team arrived at the crash scene in Boston Bar to take care of one of their own.