Family suffers 2nd loss
Brian McIntosh succumbs to cancer 2 years after his son James, 5, was struck and killed by a car
APenticton family who experienced a tragedy beyond words two years ago are reliving the nightmare as they suffer another devastating loss. When James McIntosh, a five-year old who attended Holy Cross School, was struck and killed at an intersection in September 2015, a heart-broken community came together to show their love and support for the grief-stricken family.
Once again the McIntosh family are suffering as James’ father, Brian, lost his battle with cancer on Sunday evening.
After the death of his son, Brian suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and never returned to work as a paramedic. He was later diagnosed with cancer.
“It is just so tragic,” said Pam Athwal, a friend of the McIntosh family through Holy Cross School.
“I can’t even begin to fathom the level of grief and loss that they’re going through.”
Athwal said she has been inspired by the way the family has coped with these events.
“They humbled me,” Athwal said. “In terms of how they dealt with everybody who wanted to express sorrow and comfort and offer support. They’re just so welcoming and so loving. With each other. With everybody else.”
Athwal stressed that above anything else, the family needs time.
“Elizabeth needs time to grieve and grieve with her son and just focus on her son and herself,” she said.
“It is heartbreaking that their family is having to go through this.”
Jade Dorrell-Mullin, another acquaintance through Holy Cross School, set up a GoFundMe page for the family to help relieve some of the financial burden they are experiencing, and act as a means for the family to take the time they deserve to heal.
“The most difficult thing for people is wanting to reach out and help but not knowing how,” she said.
“I know there’s a lot of people in the community who feel that way. What they really need is time.”
The page was set up on Tuesday, and Dorrell-Mullin is already extremely pleased with the outpouring of support they are receiving.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s so great to see people really care so much.”
“Whatever people are able to donate is amazing,” Athwal added.
“Any amount means a lot. It all goes towards helping Elizabeth and Caleb take the time they need to try and heal from what’s happened.”
Elizabeth and her family would also like to express extreme gratitude to all who have helped support her and her son during this difficult time.
Donations can be made by visiting www.gofundme.com/mcintosh-family-grief-support.