I drive past Wilkinson Jail, currently known as the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, on the way to and from work most days. There is a spirit who occasionally makes himself known.
Each time I tune in, this gentleman appears the same way. Facing to my left, he stares straight ahead, seemingly deep in contemplation. He won’t look my way unless I ask him. When he does, it is only briefly. He struggles to make eye contact and seems fixed on his past.
The gentleman is not particularly tall: average height, broad chest, clean shaven, short dark brown hair. He is nicely dressed, clothed in a dark green vest, a long-sleeved shirt, and neatly pressed pants. I’d say his clothes are made of wool.
Looking at him, I would say he is in good physical shape. A sense of knowing tells me he is in his mid-40s.
Over time, I recognize him as someone with a clear head, not a sinister personality. I admit I am curious about how he found himself in jail. He presents as a calm and confident man by all accounts.
One thing he makes quietly clear:
He lost his life by hanging.
I’m curious:
Why does he seem surprised at his fate while accepting it with such dignity?
Today is the day I dig deeper.
Who was this man, and why does his spirit request my attention?
Was there a hanging at Wilkinson Jail? I’d never heard of this.
Was his hanging a more recent event or an event from long ago?
I open my computer and type in my question. Bingo! Up pops an article in the local newspaper, The Times Colonist, September 27, 2013 (100 Years at the Wilkinson Road Jail).
“…the prison took its first prisoners, 38 of them, on Sept. 12, 1914… It was officially known as the Saanich Prison Farm…
“During the war, the institution also saw its only execution. Scottish miner Robert Suttie, 46, by court accounts a good man except when drinking, was hanged on a temporary gallows on Jan. 5, 1915, for shooting his foreman, Richard Hargreaves.”
With the understanding there was only one execution at this location, I conclude the spirit in touch with me can be none other than Robert Suttie.
Although excited to learn his name, I am saddened to discover that someone lost their life at the hands of this man. I immediately send healing love and compassion to the Hargreaves’, who lost a member of their family under grievous circumstances. Without the confines of time, it is easy to imagine their need for support, no matter how long ago.
Questions tumble over themselves as I conclude my read of this article.
- What on earth possessed Robert Suttie to shoot Richard Hargreaves?
- Why is Robert asking me to dig a little deeper to have fresh eyes on the story?
- What does Robert want me to know?
- Why does his personality not match that of a murderer?
- What was Richard Hargreaves up to? Was he up to no good with Robert stepping in to set things straight?
In no way is Robert Suttie asking for forgiveness; this is clear. If you recall, he presents himself as one who accepts his fate with shock while at the same time taking responsibility for his actions.
His communication with me has an air of shame (no eye contact). Robert stresses his truth: the results of the day of Richard’s death were not what he wished for nor intended. Nevertheless, his persistent appearance tells me he hopes I will look into the broader picture.
Robert’s request lights a fire in me, resulting in a burning curiosity to learn more. I must understand why he is reaching out to me! Tomorrow, I will begin again!
~
What about you? Have you ever sensed the presence of a spirit and wondered why they appeared to you?
I would love to know your thoughts on this story so far. Please leave a note in the comments and I’ll happily get back to you.
Stay tuned for Spirit of Wilkinson Jail Part 2, coming soon!
With love,
Catherine ~