Hundreds of individuals who’ve died on Highway 63 over the years are once again being remembered through an annual memorial ride.
For the tenth year in a row, several vehicles will drive down the road as a way to honour all the past victims.
Founder Annie Lelievre tells Mix News she started the ride to remember her son Jason who died in an accident back in 2011. Her ex-husband John also pass away on the road just a couple years later.
She says it’s extremely hard to process that her son has been gone for almost a decade.
“He would have been 32 this year so I find it becoming a lot harder as the years go by. A lot of unknowns, where would he be, what would be be doing.”
Lelievre’s motorcycle also contains a giant flag with the names of countless individuals who’ve passed away.
She currently doesn’t know how many names are highlighted, however, she claims the only one she had to add this year passed away in an accident near Fort McKay roughly two years earlier.
As it is the family’s choice, not every name of individuals who’ve died on the road is on the flag.
“I’ve had people contact me from across Canada who’ve lost their loved ones either up here working or up here living,” added Lelievre.
The ride takes place on Saturday, Jason’s birthday, at Centrefire Place starting at 7 p.m.
A barbeque will also be held beforehand starting at 6 p.m.
Members of the public are encouraged to take part, using any vehicle suitable for the highway.
After traveling around 100 km, the group will stop, refuel, and return back to Fort McMurray.
ICYMI: On this edition of Fort McMurray Matters, we chat with the founder of the Highway 63 Memorial Ride, which takes place on Saturday. She, along with some of her friends, are also riding cross country to raise funds for the @CCSPrairies #ymm #rmwb https://t.co/XPFhCSTWJ7
— MIX 103.7 News (@Mix1037FMNews) July 16, 2021
