Community launches online fundraiser for family of five killed in house fire

EDMONTON A fundraiser launched for the family of Marvin and Janet Gibbs, who perished with three of their grandchildren last Thursday in a Rochfort Bridge house fire, had raised more than $560 toward a $2,500 goal as of Monday afternoon.

The fatal fire decimated the home. The five family members — Marvin, 82, Janet, 49, and three of Janet’s granddaughters ages 8, 5, and 2 — were found dead in the home on Friday morning.

RCMP are considering the fire non-criminal but the investigation into its cause continues.

Dr. Eve Kazachenko, who runs a dental clinic in nearby Mayerthorpe, launched the fundraiser through Gofundme on Monday after consulting with members of Marvin’s family.

“The shock is just overwhelming,” said Kazachenko. “The devastating loss of five lives has hit the community so hard. We want to let the family know they’re not alone.”

In a close-knit community like Rochfort Bridge, a hamlet of about 50 people just outside of Mayerthorpe, “everyone is a friend or a neighbour, or a neighbour’s neighbour,” Kazachenko said.

One of Marvin’s daughters told Kazachenko the funds will go toward funeral costs including headstones, and travel costs for two family members coming from B.C. to attend the funeral.

Kazachenko said a memorial is taking shape next to where the home stood, and she’s speaking to the school attended by the oldest child about possibly holding a vigil.

She added that any physical donations to the family or written condolences can be mailed or dropped off at Mayerthorpe Family Dental.