This sign now marks the sight where Marj and Gord Classen were hit by a drunk driver in 2020, killing the recently-retired couple. (Submitted/MADD Canada)

By Susan McNeil

Impaired driving campaign

Aylsham couple honoured in MADD Canada sign

Jun 14, 2022 | 1:47 PM

EDITOR’s NOTE: A previous version of this story stated the couple was from Arborfield, when they were in fact from Aylsham. We have made the correction.

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A retired couple from Aylsham who were killed in 2020 after being hit by a drunk driver now has their names as a permanent marker on the highway.

A sign marks the site near Aberdeen where Gord and Marjorie Classen were struck by Tyler Seeley, ending both of their lives.

The sign was unveiled in a private ceremony with the Classen family, but they made a comment through MADD Canada, saying the sign is both a remembrance and a way to send a message.

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“This tragedy has been life-changing as we have had to adjust to our new way of life without our foundation. This was a senseless act that could have been prevented. Due to these careless actions, a vibrant couple has lost their lives far too soon,” said the Classens.

This is the third such sign to be erected in Saskatchewan and was a collaboration between MADD and the province with the inclusion of the family.

The first two signs honour Jordan and Chanda Van de Vorst and their two children, Kamryn, and Miguire, who were killed by an impaired driver in January 2016, and Danille Kerpan, who was killed by an impaired driver in October 2014.

MADD said, every year, hundreds of people are killed and tens of thousands are injured in impairment-related crashes that are entirely preventable.

“Roadside memorial signs are a powerful and moving way to symbolize the tragic consequences of impaired driving,” said MADD Canada National President, Jaymie-Lyne Hancock.

“Marj and Gord Classen were taken from their family, friends and community because of one person’s selfish and senseless choice to drive impaired. Together with the Classen family, we honour their memories and hope that everyone who sees this sign understands what is truly at stake when someone drives impaired.”

The Classens recently moved to Saskatoon and had returned to their roots near Nipawin and Carrot River to visit Marj’s mother the day of the collision.

On their way home, Seeley, who had double the legal amount of alcohol in his blood and his four-year-old daughter in the vehicle, left his lane and struck the Saskatoon-bound Classens.

Marj died on the scene and Gordon died three weeks later. Seeley’s daughter broke both of her arms and sustained a head injury.

Seeley pleaded guilty to the two charges, receiving a six-year prison sentence and a 15-year driving ban. It was not his first conviction for drinking and driving.

He was denied early parole in March 2022.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow