The family of a young Arnprior woman killed this weekend in Guelph has set up a memorial fund in her honor. The 21-year-old man accused of running her over appeared in a Guelph courtroom today to face a number of charges. There is little comfort for the family of Grace Glofcheskie, knowing that a man is in jail tonight charged in her death. But they are finding comfort in the words and action of so many others.
At the very spot where 24-year-old Grace Glofcheskie died, a makeshift memorial is growing, with crosses and of course, golf balls. Glofcheskie was an accomplished young golfer and a valued member of the Guelph Gryphons.
Alex Osborne was a team mate and friend for six years. He was placing a cross at the scene where she died.
“She was extremely warm, very caring,” says Osborne, “She was always willing to go the extra mile to help people.”
Glofcheskie grew up in Arnprior but had been attending the University of Guelph, where she recently graduated with her master’s degree in human health and nutritional sciences. She was walking home early Sunday morning in Guelph when she was struck by a stolen SUV. The driver had plowed into a hydro pole, flipped the car then took off. Glofcheskie was sadly caught up in the wreckage.
Two days later, Guelph police arrested 21-year-old Curtis Henri at a nearby motel.
“The tips and information we received from the community were a big part of this whole thing coming together and us being able to locate this person,” said Constable Mike Gatto with the Guelph Police Service.
Henri faces 12 charges including failing to remain at the scene, break and enter, stealing a motor vehicle, fleeing from police causing death and criminal negligence causing death.
For Grace Glofcheskie's family, there is comfort in knowing their daughter touched so many lives. In a statement, the family wrote:
“We, the family of Grace Olivia Glofcheskie, are deeply saddened by the loss of our daughter, our sister, our friend. We are profoundly touched by the heartfelt prayers, kind actions, expressions of sympathy, and genuine support that we have received, and continue to receive, during this very difficult time. This sustains us through our tears, and gives us comfort. Grace loved life. Anyone who knew her would describe her as brilliant, warm, gifted, optimistic, driven, faith-filled, and just. We will always remember her in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls.
We invite you to help us to continue Grace’s legacy. We have begun the Grace Olivia Glofcheskie Memorial Fund, whose vision is to carry on the impact of her life well beyond her twenty-four years. This fund will support academics and athletics in Grace’s cherished communities of Arnprior and the University of Guelph. Together, our support will be a reflection of Grace’s own generosity.
The family has also established a memorial fund in her memory. Grace was an academic scholar and talented athlete. The family says the fund will ensure their daughter's legacy continues at the University of Guelph where she touched so many lives. www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/grace
