- by Andrew Turner

The feeling outside The Curry House this evening was one of sadness and contemplation. Outside, people have laid flowers, and some have left notes and letters addressed to the family of Sharif Rahman, who unfortunately passed away this morning. He died of his injuries sustained when he was assaulted by three men who had refused to pay their bill. While the suspects remain at large, the shadow cast by the attack weighs over those who came to pay their respects this evening.

Jodi VanDyk, a local resident, spoke at length about the local efforts of the community to show support. The community has had both a Vigil on Wednesday, which was attended by over 800 people, and a further event was held Friday morning. “It’s heartwarming, and encouraging to see people coming together to support Sharif and his family," she said.

However, not all of the people in attendance were as hopeful that this attack will bring about a change. “There is outrage…but not enough,” said an older woman who wished to remain anonymous. She was worried for her safety.

“I was shocked, and sick to my stomach” said Edward Cooper about his feelings when he heard the news llate Thursday night.

Susan Long, a resident who moved to Owen Sound from Toronto 20 years ago, was horrified about the situation, and was on the verge of tears. “This should be on national news. It’s even more horrifying in a small town. We are not used to this.” While she is a proud local citizen, she did say that Owen Sound feels at times quite closed to outsiders.

“Been here twenty years, but it seems like unless you're born here, you're not an official Owen Sounder.”

Signs and letters of support were taped to the doors, and one note that called for capital punishment for those who did this. A young woman tore that sign off, shortly after the picture was taken. She did not wish her words to be published - suffice to say she was unhappy about that note.

However, the sentiments in that letter were echoed by others there, if not in such harsh terms. The anger is real in Owen Sound, and we are eager for those who did this horrible act to face justice though we disagree on the form this should take. The overall feeling is that no justice, not even the death penalty, would make up for the loss of Sharif.

The question is lingering. Can we, as a town, do better? It is still unknown if the men who did this are locals or from elsewhere, but already inflammatory flags are being flown, passions are running hot; anger swelling and blame is being laid too early. Sadness can turn into anger, and anger can lead to dark places.

What the town has done so far, coming together to pray and hope that Sharif would pull through, and now to remember his legacy and to honour it…is that not a better way for positive change?

Can Owen Sound do better? Many believe we can.

Let’s prove it.