Allison Maher funeral photo makes Pg1 of national papers.

By Greg Locke | Published March 17, 2009

   
A photo I shot for Reuters at Allison Maher's funeral in Fermeuse, Newfoundland yesterday made the front page of both of the national newspapers in Canada today. Ms. Maher, 26 was the first victim of the Cougar Helicopters crash on March 12 to be buried   …greg

2 Comments

  1. Anonymous March 18, 2009 at 15:59 #

    I do …and thank you for the comment. The reason I did the photo the way I did was to, hopefully, communicate the very things you mention.
    best regards,

  2. Anonymous March 18, 2009 at 14:05 #

    Hello Greg,
    I should be able to say congratulations on landing the cover of two national papers. I do not begrudge you this achievement. But I feel a heavy heart. My hometown garnered the attention of a nation as it grappled with a bewildering and crippling sense of loss. The media attention should be for something else. Windmills, a fish plant, Ryan Clowe. Something other than this. Instead, I'd like to commend you on capturing a moment where the skyline and architecture frame emotion quite well.
    Your picture speaks to many, but there's another layer here for those familiar with the spot. I was baptized in this church. I’ve walked up its aisle wearing a first communion and a bridesmaid dress. I watched many others parade in wedding dresses. I’ve drank and danced in the hall next to it. It’s where many baby and bridal showers have been. It’s a place of milestones and moments for the people from there. And I can’t help but think about the milestones and moments that Allison Maher either hadn’t had yet, or hadn’t had enough of.
    I did not know her. She was several years younger than me. But I know there's a depth of sadness that can't be measured in her death and the death of those 16 men. But the randomness of it all is difficult. What put Allison on the particular flight and my cousin on the one from the day before? What set of circumstances collided to keep some people ashore that day to make room for these people? Why is something so unbelievably tragic so arbitrary? No one knows. We are just reminded that our mortality is susceptible to the sheer power of something as elemental as water. It's not like we ever forgot. It's just that the reminders are far too painful.
    Anyway, I can't say I liked your picture. But I can say it spoke to me. I hope you understand.
    Delores Burton