Vancouver’s West End mourning death of beloved neighbour

The West End community in Vancouver is in mourning after a beloved man who lived on the street died late last week.

“He was pretty loved by a diversity of people. He was loved and admired by the [people living on the] street … And he was really accepted as part of the neighbourhood by people who live inside,” former homeless advocate Judy Graves describes the well-known neighbour.

Boomer lived in the area for over 30 years and normally resided near the intersection of Davie and Bute streets.

Locals who lived in the area had known him for decades.

According to Graves, Boomer was loved because of his overwhelming kindness.

“He always lived in the same place. It was like somebody who lived down the block from you.”

Boomer didn’t move around a lot Graves says. So for years now, you could find him almost always in the same spot on Davie Street.

“If he wasn’t there, he was just across the street on Butte,” she added.

“Very permanent, very much a part of everybody’s coming and going. And he got to know everybody’s name,” she said. “He knew the name of every dog. And when I walked past without my dog, he’d be very concerned and ask where she was and how she was, you know, quite endearing.”

According to Graves, Boomer passed away on Friday with his son by his side.

A growing memorial is on display near the area he called home.

“I think my neighborhood is sort of modelled the best of what a neighbourhood can be — the inclusion of everybody.”

A memorial is growing for a West End man who recently passed away. Boomer was known to sleep right here outside the convenience store at Davie and Bute. People have adorned his spot with flowers, candles and other gifts.@CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/99zQxqRsgO

— Greg Bowman (@gregbowman_) February 13, 2022