Harbour City Star - June 25, 2005

Summary

Harbour City Star: Sat June 25, 2005 (Paul Walton) Remembering Lisa Marie

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clip: https://lisamarieyoung.ca/n/hcs20050625

[Reproduced under Copyright Act (Canada) s.29.2 - Fair Dealing for the purpose of news reporting]

Remembering Lisa Marie

It remains the most notorious unsolved crime in Nanaimo.

At the end of this month it will be three years since the disappearance of Lisa Marie Young. The 21-year-old went out the night of June 29, 2002* and was never heard from again. Within weeks police, while maintaining officially it was a missing person's case, said they believed Young met with foul play.

Lisa's mother, Joanne Young, said after three years, the pain has only become worse. For her and her husband Don Young it's the dual agony of not knowing what happened, and that they may never know. Every year, said Joanne Young, celebrating events like birthdays or seasonal celebrations only gets more difficult.

When on June 30, 2002, Lisa didn't call home, Joanne and Don, immediately became concerned. It was unlike Lisa, they said, to be away from home for any extended time without calling. That weekend, Don was to use his delivery van to help Lisa move into a new residence and she was also about to start a new job. Within a week, it was clear something awful had happened to Lisa.

Irresponsible rumours about what happened and where Lisa's body could be found also surfaced, causing further pain for the Youngs.

As the police investigation continued, one of the few details they confirmed was that Lisa was last seen in a maroon-coloured Jaguar leaving the Jungle Cabaret on Skinner Street. The car and driver were located and a Parksville man was questioned, but whatever he said remains in a police file.

The idea there may be people out there with information that could lead to an arrest — and that the silence continues — has been perplexing and frustrating.

Though Joanne and Don Young live "day to day" with hope of a resolution, the Youngs have resigned themselves to the worst.

"We know in our hearts she's not here," said Joanne Young.

[inset:] Vigil planned (The Star)

As long as Lisa Young remains missing, her family will continue with posters, vigils and T-shirts in an effort to bring her disappearance to a close.

The third annual vigil for the missing woman will be held June 30 at Swy-a-Lana Lagoon between 7pm and 8pm. Joanne Young said new posters and T-shirts are also available. Those interested in obtaining one or the other or both can contact her at 758-2087.

Young is also seeking volunteers to assist in a private search near the west coast of the Island. She said they will be searching an area identified by a psychic.