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VOL. 26, NO. 55
Judge hands down second-degree murder conviction BY KARL YU
THE NEWS BULLETIN
CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN
Kay Heuer, of the Nanaimo Elks, left, and Dorothy Dool, of the Order of the Royal Purple, have few occasions left to don their club regalia. The women represent two of several fraternal orders in Nanaimo that have either folded or are winding down due to an inability to attract new members.
Order dissolves over lack of membership
I
FRATERNAL ORDERS face challenges to keep ranks filled. BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN
M
embers of a Nanaimo service club are hanging up their purple hats after more than 60 years in the Harbour City. It’s the end of an era for Nanaimo’s Order of the Royal Purple, which is dissolving this year after grappling with an aging membership and lack of new volunteers. The service club for women has met and volunteered since 1949.
They did bingos and bake sales, fashion shows and teas. They put up lights in Nob Hill park, created student bursaries and contributed to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. But the organization has also faced challenges, including getting new membership. And it’s not the only one. Organizations like the Elks and Odd Fellows have also seen a decrease in membership and difficulty replenishing the ranks – an issue that has some executives forecasting an end for other fraternal orders. “Everybody is getting too old, I think this is the problem,” said Dorothy Dool, 86, a Royal Purple
volunteer for three decades. “We are not getting new members and I don’t think any of the other organizations are getting new members either and you get to a certain age where you just can’t do it anymore, or [you] really don’t want to.” Dool said it’s hard to put into words how she feels about the end of the ladies’ group, which will meet until their membership winds up in December. The charter was surrendered in June. “It brings tears to my eyes when I think about the closing of the lodge because it’s really hard to give up something you’ve had for so many years,” she said. “It’s like losing a good friend.”
See ‘SOCIETY’ /4
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has found Robert James Iverson guilty of second-degree murder for the death of Cheryl Lynn Sim. Sim’s body was found in a vacant lot near Barsby Park in late June 2010. Iverson was subsequently arrested and charged with firstdegree murder. While explaining his decision, Judge Robert Punnet said Sim and Iverson were part of a group consuming alcohol in the area. He said there was evidence to suggest Sim suffered head trauma. Both she and Iverson were homeless. Basil McCormick, Crown counsel, said the Crown was satisfied with Punnett’s decision. “Second-degree murder carries with it punishment of life imprisonment and a minimum parole ineligibility of 10 years,” McCormick said. “Crown has indicated that we’re seeking more than that and the judge has indicated that he wants a pre-sentence report.” Sentencing could take place in the new year, once the pre-sentence report comes back, he said, adding it will likely be a full day of sentencing. Iverson, who represented himself during trial, interrupted Punnett repeatedly while the judge rendered his decision, but according to Stephen Taylor, the court-appointed lawyer that ensures proceedings are fair, that wouldn’t have bearing on sentencing. “It wouldn’t affect the sentencing,” said Taylor. “People react negatively to their conviction and that’s not an uncommon thing. Courts understand that this process is emotional for all parties, in particular the accused when they’re convicted.” Sim was trying to turn her life around at the time of the murder, said Susan Strehlau, Sim’s sister. Strehlau said she was happy with the decision. She said she would feel relief after debriefing and calling her family. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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