John Ridsdel, Canadian Killed In Philippines, Remembered As 'Gracious Person'

[MariaThinks]

Source: Huffington Post

CALGARY — John Ridsdel, a Canadian killed by hostage-takers in the Philippines, was remembered Monday as a brilliant, compassionate man with a talent for friendship.

"He could bridge many communities, many people, many situations and circumstances and environments in a very gentle way," said Gerald Thurston, a lifelong friend of the former mining executive and journalist who grew up with him in Yorkton, Sask.

Ridsdel was one of four tourists — including Canadian Robert Hall, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman — who were kidnapped last September from a marina resort on southern Samal Island by Abu Sayyaf militants.




The Islamic militants had threatened to kill one of the male hostages if a large ransom was not paid by 3 p.m. Monday local time — 3 a.m. ET. Police said Monday that the head of a Caucasian male was recovered in the southern Philippines and Canadian government officials confirmed the victim was Ridsdel, 68.


Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/25/john-ridsdel-remembered_n_9774178.html

[forest444]

1. As he was Canadian, it would have been news if he HADN'T been a gracious person.

All the best to his family.

[Peregrine Took]

2. So sad and so true about Canadians.

We have so much to learn from them. RIP.