Mother finds comfort in vigil for her slain son

Donna Dickson, Ashton Dickson’s mother, had tears in her eyes as she watched the dozens of friends, family and members of the community lay roses at the foot of a lamp post where her son’s photo stood.

“At least my son didn’t die by himself,” she said on Wednesday night.

A candlelight vigil began shortly after 8 p.m. in front of the Mingle Room bar at 470 Rideau St., where Ashton Dickson was shot on June 26. He died at the scene after an altercation that started inside the bar. About 50 people came to share their memories of Ashton and mourn the loss of a young man whose kindness touched many.

“One month after the senseless killing of our beloved Ashton James Dickson, we’re remembering him tonight in this candlelight vigil and honouring his memory,” said his aunt, Jacqueline Britto. “We miss him and love him more than words can describe.”

Dickson, 25, a popular local athlete, was gunned down around 1 a.m. after an argument spilled outside.

While police were reported to have already received surveillance video from other businesses in the area, they believe there were other witnesses who might be of assistance. Police have not yet made any arrests or laid any charges.

Coun. Mathieu Fleury was present at the gathering Wednesday. Guests of the Econo Lodge directly across the street stood outside the door of the hotel and watched from their windows.

Vanessa Pitre, 22, grew up with Dickson and could not attend his funeral earlier this month because she was out of province. Now back in her hometown, she said it was important for her to be at the vigil.

“(He) he was literally always smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without a big smile on his face,” Pitre said.

Dickson is not the first of Pitre’s friends to lose their lives to violence, she said. “I just want it to stop. (Dickson) was a great guy and I want to be here mostly for his family and other friends, and show that he was just loved.”

Dickson’s family said in a statement they would like whoever has information about the crime to share it with police. “And for those of you who are involved in this crime, we’re asking you to turn yourself in,” Britto said.

JULIE OLIVER Ashton Dickson’s mother, Donna Dickson, centre, wipes away tears as people speak fondly of her son at a vigil Wednesday outside the Mingle Room bar at 470 Rideau St. Ashton Dickson, 25, was shot dead on June 26 outside the bar following an altercation....