Woodstock’s Museum Square chalked with butterflies to remember Tori Stafford

Rodney Stafford looks at the giant butterfly chalk-drawn by Woodstock artist Sean Hammond. Many other residents came out to remember Tori Stafford on what would have been her 26th birthday. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

The Woodstock community came together on July 15 to remember Tori Stafford on what would have been her 26th birthday.

Woodstock’s Museum Square was covered with chalk art of butterflies, flowers, and messages to Tori Stafford on what would have been her 26th birthday.

Tori’s father Rodney said the outpouring of love after 17 years means a lot.

“This many years later, to know the support is still there for Victoria is amazing. It really touches the heart and shows no matter how traumatic something is, we can always turn it into a positive.”

Stafford said while it’s hard to say what she would be doing today if she were still with us, he has an idea.

“She may have gone into a field to do with animals. We all have the animal lover in my family, and for some reason it’s just something I could see her doing.”

He added being in public and remembering his daughter isn’t easy, but he doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him as opposed to the day Tori was abducted.

“April 8 brings different meaning, whereas today is her birthday and we are celebrating it. This has nothing to do with the two scum involved. We move her birthday to a positive, and we are slowly shifting the other day as well.”

Stafford said he plans to continue celebrating his daughter by going to the cemetery and keeping her memory alive. He added while he can’t take credit for the idea, he’s thankful local artist Sean Hammond did.

“He had painted a mural in front of a church on Riddell, and he asked for suggestions for one of his upcoming projects, and my wife reached out to him and asked him if he would be interested in doing something like a butterfly for Tori on her birthday.”

Hammond, a Woodstock resident for 18 years, said he didn’t hesitate to say yes to the idea.

“I said I would do a big public butterfly and then have the community come down and draw smaller ones. Rodney’s wife loved the idea, and it all started with her message.”

He said well over 100 people showed up to draw and support Stafford, someone he met for the first time.

“I said maybe we should have a coffee first so when we see each other we don’t break down crying. I’ve made a new friend out of this, and it just feels good. I was lucky enough to get the message and have the opportunity to be involved in this.”