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Friends help Newman boys move past tragedy By Laura Stone TORONTO STAR Four young girls sat on a bench, cheering on runners and trying to make sense of something a young girl -- or boy -- never should. "I think it's good for the boys to be here because it kind of gets their mind off what happened," said 10-year-old Bailey McLaughlin. What happened shocked a tight-knit community in Oakville and devastated the family and friends of 43-year-old Katherine Newman, who was found stabbed to death last January in her Treetop Terrace townhome. Her estranged husband Kyle Newman was later shot dead by police. While the investigation by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) into the police shooting has been completed -- no officers were found to be criminally responsible in the shooting of Kyle Newman -- Halton Regional Police homicide officers are still investigating Katherine's death. Many people were affected. But three lives changed the most -- those of the Newman boys: Thomas, 12, Joshua, 10, and 8-year-old James. "It's just been awful," said Liz Benoit, one of Newman's close friends. On Sunday, a walk/run fundraiser, "Strides for Friends," was held at the boys' old school, Mother Teresa in Oakville, to raise money for their education. It was organized by Newman's circle of girlfriends, a 20-woman coffee group. "It was all about let's have fun and let's have a good day for Katherine," said organizer Barb Crawford. "And let the boys know the community is always here. They're always welcome." Some 400 people participated in the five- and 10-kilometre events, including the brothers themselves. The total amount raised won't be known for a couple of days -- but relatives say it will surely help. "I'm so grateful," said Walter Stayshyn, Newman's father. A trust fund had also been set up for the boys, who are now who supported fellow cancer survivors. Affectionately known as "Bunny," Newman herself had undergone a double mastectomy, Stayshyn said. "She left an impression on anyone she ever met." Benoit's son, 12-year-old Justin, still plays with Thomas when he's back in Oakville. The boys visit their old neighbourhood every few weeks, she said. "It was pretty hard knowing my friend had to move away and never see his mother again," said Justin. The thought also disturbed Klaudia Thibeault, who knew the boys because she used to babysit Newman's neighbours. "It was very tragic, it affected me in many ways," she said, wiping away tears. "No one can replace this emotional trauma, but we can just show we care." As for the brothers, the family wants them to stay out of the limelight, in order to move 5 · Wednesday, June 6, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com on from the tragedy. That's something 10-yearold Bailey, can understand. "If I were them, I would still be upset about it," she said. "I wouldn't want to hide, but I wouldn't want to show it either." She was right. The boys spent Sunday afternoon eating barbecue, shooting basketballs and playing hockey. They blended in with the other children. You couldn't tell who they were. Katherine Newman in the care of Newman's brother, Ted Stayshyn, who lives in Dundas, Ont. with three kids of his own. "It's a big burden for him and his wife," said Walter Stayshyn, a retired Hamilton Superior Court Justice. "It's very costly." A dinner and silent auction was also held in Hamilton Saturday night to raise money. Stayshyn remembered his daughter -- a case manager at the Mississauga Halton Community Care Access Centre -- as a dedicated health worker THE OAKVILLE CLUB Family - Friendly - Fun Contact us about our 3 Month Trial Membership Where You Belong 56 Water Street, Oakville. ON - 905.845.0231 www.oakvilleclub.com - membership@oakvilleclub.com Limit 12 per customer Until June 17, 2012 Until June 17, 2012 Sa Bene Be nedett dett tt Water Wate Wa San Benedetto $ 99 Until June 17, 2012 Trafalga r Rd $ Family Size Cannelloni Large Cannelloni Not to be combined with any other offers. Not to be combined with any other offers. Limit 2 per customer. Must present coupons at time of use. Limit 2 per customer. Must present coupons at time of use. 12 00 9 pieces $ 21 4 00 2501 Prince Michael Dr (at Dundas St.) (905) 257-9200 Dunda das s St S tE 14 pieces www.palmapasta.com Valid until June 17, 2012 Valid until June 17, 2012 Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am - 6 pm , Sunday 10 am - 5 pm Dr el cha 403 Mi e c n Pri Upper er Mid idd dl le e Rd E 99 Emma Canned Tomatoes ¢ $ Micro Penne Rose 9 99