Finding solace in loss

Times Reporter  

 

Every other morning at Kinsmen Park an elderly gentleman can be found fishing from the lake. 

Eugene Durrer, fondly named the Fisherman, was one of many who lost everything when the floods hit in June. He had been living at a seniors lodge in High River when he was evacuated. He, along with other members from the facility, were brought to Strathmore to stay at the Wheatland Lodge until it was deemed safe to go back. 

Durrer says it will take a miracle to get the lodge back into a functioning, safe state. 

Some of the other people that came to Strathmore with him have returned to High River. He plans to make Strathmore his new home.

“I couldn’t take it to go back in the mud,” said Durrer.  

“I’m very happy here and the people are very good to me. I’m better off.”

Durrer said everyone he has met in Strathmore has been terrific and very friendly. The Red Cross have also been helpful, giving him clothes and a few other necessities. Durrer said he sold his car and bought a scooter and now he just scoots around town, and down to the lake. 

Fishing has been a hobby of Durrer’s for most of his life, and one of his favourite things about Strathmore is the fact that he can scoot down to the lake and spend a morning enjoying the beautiful weather and catching fish. He said on average he catches, and releases, about four fish a day. Next time you’re at Kinsmen Park, if you see Eugene Durrer stop and say hi, he enjoys chatting and meeting new people.