Vandal targets graves in Blairmore Cemetery

The McKenna family is calling for answers after discovering their loved ones’ headstones had been defaced with red paint at Blairmore Cemetery, in what they believe was a targeted act of vandalism.

Kevin and Faye McKenna were first alerted to the damage on June 24 through a wave of texts, phone calls and posts circulating on social media. Later that evening, they received direct notification from the Crowsnest Pass RCMP, who have since opened an investigation.

The paint had been splashed across the gravestones of Kevin’s parents and brother, a family described as community-minded, respectful and devoted to service.

“My dad died in 2017, my mom in 2019, and my brother passed away in 2021,” said Kevin, “They’re all buried together, and their graves were the only ones vandalized. It doesn’t seem random. It feels targeted.”

The damage, which included red paint smeared across the faces of the stones and a smashed portrait of Kevin’s parents, left the family shaken.

“The whole family is devastated,” said Kevin, “This kind of thing is upsetting at a level that’s hard to put into words.”

“It was shocking,” added Faye, “We were very shaken by it.”

Kevin’s brother Brian was a retired RCMP officer who served for 32 years, including two United Nations peacekeeping tours. His mother and father were deeply involved in the community and flew Canadian flags at their homes throughout their lives.

“They never spoke ill of anybody,” said Kevin, “They did a lot for this community, and it doesn’t speak well of our community when they can’t even rest in peace.”

The couple shared their appreciation for the community members who immediately reached out to offer support. One post on the Crowsnest Network group generated dozens of comments and offers to clean or repair the site.

However, the McKennas opted for professional restoration to avoid further damage.

“We were told there’s a special chemical you need to use, otherwise you can cause more harm to the stones,” said Faye.

Chad Oberholtzer of Crooked Tree Landscaping stepped in to remove the paint free of charge. The shattered picture of Kevin’s parents is being replaced through their vandalism insurance policy. 

“It’s not just about the money,” said Kevin, “It’s about the principle. Who would do something like this?”

The RCMP has confirmed that a file has been opened and that they are investigating the incident. In the meantime, the McKenna’s are urging anyone with surveillance footage in the area to review their recordings around the time of the vandalism.

“If someone bought red paint recently, or noticed someone with it on their clothes, we’re asking them to come forward,” said Faye, “There were even comments on Facebook from people saying, ‘Check your kids for red paint.’ Someone knows who did this.”

Faye also expressed gratitude for a Coleman business owner who offered to replace the damaged photo free of charge, and for the community members who reached out with sympathy and offers to help.

“There are lots of people who rise to the occasion when something like this happens,” she said, “We really appreciate that.”

Kevin hopes the person responsible will not only be found but will also seek help.

“Somebody who does this is in a dark place,” he said, “They need help. Maybe they’ll turn themselves in. People pull pranks or mischief, sure; but this goes beyond that. This is over the top.”

They’re hopeful that through continued attention, community vigilance and RCMP follow-up, whoever is behind the act will be held accountable.

“People like my parents and brother dedicated their lives to this place,” Kevin said, “They deserve respect. They deserve peace.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism or potential surveillance footage is encouraged to contact the Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment.