Kelowna

Shortly after learning of Crystal Ann Gagnon's death, Castanet contacted her family. Gagnon's father and her sister live in Kelowna. Crystal's sister, who we will call Jane, agreed to answer a series of questions that do not pertain to the police investigation. Gagnon's body was found at the back of the Parkinson Rec Centre last week. Police are treating her death as a homicide and have yet to make an arrest. Police say the investigation is "very active."

Q-Who was Crystal?

A-She was a bit of a prankster. She was very protective of her family and friends. She always took pride in her appearance and she loved to shop. Crystal always wanted to be loved. She liked to snowboard, figure skate, enjoyed movies and dancing. She was a wonderful and proud daughter, sister, mom, auntie, and friend. Everyone loved her more than she knew. She was a very good friend and person who treated people well. Her favourite colour was blue.

Q-Where was Crystal born, where did she grow up?

A-She was born in Kelowna. She moved to Edmonton after high school where her daughter was born.

Q-What were her dreams?

A-Crystal really wanted to be a nurse. She also dreamed of being a forensic scientist, but most recently she aspired to be a travel agent. She loved people.

Q-When was the last time you saw Crystal?

A-Sometime near the middle of August. Crystal and I took the kids shopping and out for dinner. We had a lot of fun. She bought her daughter dinner and then we had a pillow fight with the kids in a department store.

Q-What did she talk about?

A-She had made plans to move to Australia and move in with a close friend that lives there. She wanted a second chance at being herself again and a good mother.

Q-What is your fondest memory of Crystal?

A-The most recent memory was of her excitement and happiness regarding the move to Australia. I was most proud of her when she first became a mother. Her smile and laughter stand out the most in my mind.

Q-Do you feel this tragedy could have been avoided had there been more support or rehabilitation facilities?

A-Absolutely. We couldn't make her stay home. If there were some kind of program that forced an intervention, or maybe someone that keeps track or helps keep in touch with family members and people that love and miss them.

Q-What do you feel can be learned from Crystal's death?

A-This city has a drug problem. It is a disease. It starts with mild partying and gradually gets worse. And finally you lose touch with your loved one. Never give up on those people. They weren't always lost. They weren't always on drugs.

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