Canadian Taxi Driver Homicides, 1917-2007

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1I. Funerals / Memorial Events Cab drivers frequently complain that the rest of society views them as loners or outcasts. In fact, like other people, cab drivers usually belong to elaborate social networks made up of family, friends, business associates and acquaintances. One indication of this is the turnout at funerals, vigils and other memorial events. These events often bring taxi drivers together in a show of unity and serve as focal points for public sympathy and indignation. A common feature is a funeral procession made up largely of cabs. The attendance figures in this sampling of Category A cases are an indicator of the impact that taxi driver homicides have on the wider community. Jean-Claude Audette -- 700 people. Michael Christopoulos -- 1000 people, 500 drivers, including almost all of his firm's 360 cabs. Glenda Ferster -- 500 people. Frank Harry Gold -- 300 people, 200 taxis. Roland Goyer -- 200 drivers. John Harvey Hibbs -- 150 people, 3km procession. James William (Sonny) Johnson -- 290 people, 100 taxi drivers. Gerdina (Jeri) Kruidbos -- 350 drivers. Fernand Lachance -- 250 people. John Ivan McCaw -- 200 people, 100 cabs. Gerald King Mulholland -- 300 people, 42 taxis. Gisele Minhas -- 70 taxis. Joel Mutungu Ngugi -- 500 people, including the vice-president of Kenya. Trevor O'Dell -- 350 people in Edmonton, 100 in Saskatoon. Fernand Pelletier -- 300 drivers. Wayne Roushorn þ procession of 100 taxis. Paramjit Singh -- 300 people, 100 taxis. Muk-Chee Tam -- 130 people, 75 drivers, mile-long procession. Hassan Mohammed Yussuf -- 3000 people. Other factors that illustrate driver connections with the community are Children of Drivers and fund raising activities on behalf of bereaved families (see Compensation / Insurance / Trust Funds). Top of Page | Next | Previous | Contents | Taxi-L Home