01/09/2025
To our patrons:
My family would like to share their heartfelt thanks for your loving support upon the passing of our father, Ronald Southwell; on
Nov. 22, 2024. He left us far too soon and we are deeply mourning his loss.
Spruce Grove Resort and the Copper Kettle Restaurant (est. 1982) were not only our family business - it was home to Ron, Judy, myself and my siblings.
My father loved Square Pond because of the people - my father worked so hard. And so did my mother. And so did we. I worked there last in the summer of 2019. It is a place with a lot of happiness. It also required sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears - literally. But it was ours. And make no mistake, it STILL IS.
I was 6 years old when my father brought us there in April of 1982.
So, when people think of their childhood home, this is mine.
It's not just "some place" - it was where we ran a business but also where we lived our lives - we had Christmas' and birthdays and family meals and homework at the dining room table; where we went skidooing and skating and swimming.... just like you all do. And it was just like all of your homes.
My father raised us to care about others and to work hard.
He was a good man who taught us to be good to others.
And this is why, up top of mourning the loss of my best friend and father, my family and I are grieving the loss of our home.
Right before Christmas, while reeling from my father's passing, we learned that Square Pond had been broken into and vandalized. As if things weren't already hard enough for us as we tried our best to get through the holidays - the actions of a few were utterly heartbreaking.
And no, we will not be sharing photos.
I have no intention of glorifying the actions of people who clearly are stupid, immature and hateful. The level of damage was such that nothing was left. The utter destruction is disgusting and beyond words. You can't imagine how it felt to go out there, without our father; to a place that is so FULL OF HIM and to look at our home, now in ruins. The place my father loved. If I had a nickel for every scar on his hand from all his work; i'd be a millionaire. And for someone to come in and destroy our home?? - shame. They may see this and laugh. However, people such as these get their own just rewards. And I hope theirs comes soon. What goes around, comes around.
In the form of a knock on THEIR home door by a Constable from the RCMP. Believe me, they have been informed and are investigating.
That being said, I am now turning to you - the people who've been with us all along, to ask for your help.
We are asking for anyone who has any information about this event - even if you've only heard rumors, to please let us know via messenger. I will not be sharing the information with any one other than the RCMP. I believe that this level of destruction was talked about by those who did it and has been overheard by someone. Or someone out there has seen something. Even if it's that you drove by one day and saw someone in the building... anything is helpful.
We feel this crime was committed by local people, young; high school age or maybe early 20's. At least one of them was tall; judging by their graffiti; which was poorly printed. They seem to have been on the property for a while; it was not a quick event.
If you don't want to leave a message here on Messenger;
you may contact the RCMP, Gander, 709 256-6841.
Ask to speak to or leave a message for Constable Walsh; who is in charge of this case. He's committed to helping us and we are grateful.
Our hope had been for some new entrepreneur to come along and take over where we left off. That was our wish. That our father's business could have new life breathed into it again. That we could salvage something of our home and hearts. And we will do our best to do so.
We'd like to thank those of you who have come out to give us a hand. You know who you are. And thank you to those of you who take the time to inspect the area if we can't be there.
If anyone out there is interested in lending a hand for clean up or repairs, we would certainly appreciate it. I'm not as handy as my dad.
Until then, the building is secure (and was, btw) and security put in place. The property is listed under Carla Kinden, Realtor 709 571 7355.
Thank you. We hope someone out there will help us.
God bless.
