Emotional victim impact statements read at Sidhu sentence hearing

“I am constantly surrounded by memories of Logan,” Bernadine said, adding the crash has cheated Logan out of his future.

Bernadine said her son was supposed to go to university, was a kind person, an adventurer and a good leader.

“My list of things I will not get to do with Logan will never end,” she said.

Boulet noted her son wanted to become a teacher, like both his parents. Now she won’t get to help him set up his first classroom or watch him get married or play with his own children.

Logan died 19 hours after the crash on April 7. Bernadine said he inspired others by electing to donate his organs.

“Logan knew the world needed givers and not takers,” his father Toby said. “I have tried very hard not to let anger win.

“I have tried so hard to put on a brave face.”

Toby Boulet said he doesn’t think the truck driver is an evil person.

“I need to tell Mr. Sidhu that I do not believe that you got out of bed on the morning of April 6 to cause a crash,” he said.

“I believe he feels tremendous remorse with all of the fiber of his being … I believe Mr. Sidhu wishes he could start April 6 all over again. I want the same. We all want the same.”

The statement from Boulet’s parents is one of 75 to be entered into the court record.

Due to the number of attendees, Judge Inez Cardinal and members of the Saskatchewan Provincial Court determined a courtroom was too small for the hearing, which is why proceedings will take place at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Crown prosecutor Thomas Healey said the sentencing process for this case could take up to five days.

Prior to hearing from victims, the court heard the agreed statement of facts.

“The actions of Mr. Sidhu, while driving the semi unit, caused the collision,” Healey said.

Sidhu’s loaded tractor-trailer did not stop at the intersection where both highways cross, Healey said. At the time of impact, Sidhu’s semi-truck, which was loaded with peatmoss, was travelling between 86 km/h and 96 km/h.

“There was no way the driver of the bus, Glen Doerkson could have avoided the collision,” Healey said adding, “The sun wasn’t in Sidhu’s eyes. He wasn’t distracted by a cellphone. And he hadn’t been drinking or doing drugs. Weather and road conditions were also good. He left no brake marks.”

Doerksen was among those who died. His daughter, Melissa, told court that his eyes lit up when he got the chance to drive around hockey teams. He loved to watch their games and share stories.

His death meant he wasn’t there for his son’s wedding in the summer and he missed playing Santa at Christmas.

“We’re working towards finding understanding and forgiveness because that’s what my dad would have wanted,” she said.

Sidhu occasionally wiped his eyes with a handkerchief, but has so far said nothing to the court or in public. Seven people sat in a row behind him reserved for his family and supporters.

Marilyn Cross, whose 27-year-old son Mark — an assistant coach with the Broncos — was killed, told Sidhu that she admired his courage in pleading guilty and wished him well sorting out his future. “Make the world a better place, just like our son Mark did.”

Robin Lukan told Sidhu that her 21-year-old son Conner was a handsome young man who lived for hockey. She last hugged and kissed him goodbye after watching him play in a game two days before the crash.

“I have no forgiveness,” she said, addressing Sidhu directly. “I want you to know you have forever destroyed the beautiful family I worked my entire life to create.”

Tom Straschnitzki, whose 19-year-old son Ryan was paralyzed in the crash, also had harsh words for Sidhu.

“All you had to do was stop,” he wrote in his victim impact statement that was read into court for him.

“Why? Why didn’t you stop? You didn’t even slow down.”

by paNOW Staff and files from Chris Purdy and Bill Graveland of The Canadian Press

Emotional victim impact statements read at Sidhu sentence hearing

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