A makeshift memorial for Simon Grant. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
A makeshift memorial has been set up outside Louisiana’s Bar-B-Que in La Ronge in memory of its owner, 64-year-old Simon Grant.
He died in hospital yesterday as a result of a severe beating he suffered when masked men burst into the restaurant after closing time, at about 11:00 pm on Saturday night. RCMP are chasing down leads and asking the public for help, but at this point, no one has been arrested.
Facebook is full of tributes for Simon Grant, some as far away as Louisiana, where Grant trained in the art of southern barbecue.
By all accounts, he was well loved and respected. Family friend, Serena Ermine, says it has been a great loss.
“He touched the hearts of many people in the community,” she said. “You only needed to spend a few minutes with him, and he had already made an impact on your life.”
La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich is hoping the RCMP solve this crime quickly. He says the murder is another example of the growing crime problem in La Ronge.
“This is just a sign of what is happening, and I hope it is something the police are able to close really quickly,” he said. Woytowich attributes the crime problem to the growing addiction to drugs and alcohol.
RCMP say an employee in the restaurant called 911 for help after the robbery. The employee was not injured. RCMP are also asking for the public’s help from anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area near the restaurant between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm.
RCMP are not saying how many suspects were involved. The northern major crimes unit is investigating.