New artwork at Richmond oval in memory of innocent murder victim
The latest piece of artwork at the Richmond Olympic Oval was installed quietly on the building’s third floor last month, a silent tribute from a local family that continues to grieve the loss of a loved one.
Volleyball Player, a 400-pound metal sculpture by artist Cory Fuhr, was commissioned by the family of Narinder Mander, who was the innocent victim of Indo-Canadian gang violence in October of 2001.
Known to friends and family as Ned, Mander was kidnapped and murdered after leaving his North Surrey bath products store. A graduate from Richmond High, he was 28 years old at the time of his death, and his remains have never been found.
After enduring years of speculation by the media and the public, police finally cleared Mander’s name in 2009.
“He was an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of a bitter rivalry,” RCMP Sgt. Tim Shields said at the time.
Mander’s brother, Dave, said the statue will help the family to heal, though without his remains ever having been found, reaching closure has been difficult.
“We are extremely proud Richmondites and it’s wonderful to be able to give something to the city that has given us so much. My brother Ned was a skilled volleyball player so we hope to inspire future generations of young athletes and people who visit the Richmond Olympic Oval,” he said.
Dave Mander credited Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the rest of council, city public art planner Eric Fiss, and artist Fuhr—who “created a stunning work of art.”—for helping to make the project a reality.
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