A cautionary note precedes the story, touching on themes of school violence, sexual assault, and suicide. Following the approach of preserving the past, the family of an Ottawa student who lost his life in a significant high school shooting has traditionally kept their memories confined within a “memory box,” shielded from the passage of time. However, as the 50th anniversary of the tragic incident nears, the family is beginning to unveil the contents of this cherished box.
In anticipation of the somber milestone, the family of Mark Hough, who met an untimely end before his 19th birthday, will convene at a modest wooden bench situated on the western side of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. This bench, dedicated to Hough earlier this year, serves as both a tribute to his existence and a stark reminder that adversity knows no boundaries, even in a city like Ottawa.
The fateful events of October 27, 1975, unfolded in a religious studies class at St. Pius X High School, where Hough and several classmates fell victim to a troubled peer who had previously committed a heinous crime. Tragically, Hough succumbed to his injuries over a month later, elevating the total casualties of that day to three.
In the lead-up to this poignant anniversary, Hough’s family members, alongside his St. Pius classmates and acquaintances of Kim Rabot from Glebe Collegiate Institute, have come forward to recount the enduring impact of the tragic events. As they reflect on the profound scars left behind, there is a collective sentiment that it is time to transcend the grief and sorrow that have lingered for decades.
Among the poignant recollections shared, Lynne McArthur, one of Hough’s sisters, acknowledges the arduous journey of understanding and accepting the events of the past. From the emotional tribulations to the eventual healing process, each family member grapples with their unique coping mechanisms and ways of honoring Hough’s memory.
As the family prepares to gather at the memorial bench by the canal, their intent is not to dwell in sorrow but to celebrate the life of Mark Hough, leaving behind the shadows of the past. Janet Hough, while initially resistant to the idea of the bench, now finds solace in the act of remembering her brother, acknowledging that the simple gesture holds significance in honoring his legacy.