Larry Wellman's daughter after fatal shooting: 'I'm proud of him'

The daughter of Larry Wellman says her family is still reeling from the shock and violence of her father's death, and hopes the public can help bring an end to the manhunt for his killer.

"It's so hard to describe. You know, when you find out someone you love has died, you go through the normal stages of grief. But to have this added component of violence, who do you talk to?" said Heather McGrath, in a sit-down interview with the CBC News.

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Wellman, 63, was shot at the Captain's Quarters Hotel in St. John'sSaturday night, after intervening in an armed robbery in the hotel's bar. He died from his injuries en route to hospital.

"I'm proud of him, for what he did," McGrath said. "No regrets."

As she thought of her father's courage, the grief underlyingMcGrath's composurecut sharply to the surface.

"He was very, very brave that night," she said.

"We've discussed in detail the whats, and ifs, and buts, but there was no way Dad was going to let something happen to other people in the pub at the time. He just wouldn't be able to live with himself."

A regular Saturday

Wellman had only just arrived in St. John's a few days before, off on turnaround from his job in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He was joining his spouse, Linda McBay, who had recently retired, on a house hunt.

"They were looking to start a new chapter there, together, and planning their future," said McGrath.

The couple decided to head out for a quick drink to unwind at the end of the day.

"It was just a regular Saturday evening and they were getting ready to head home at 11:30, one last drink, when the gunman entered," said McGrath.

Shortly afterthe violence erupted, with McBay by Wellman's side.

"She was with him. She went through that, and it's very traumatic for her, obviously, but she's incredibly strong. She's getting through it somehow. It's going to be hard for her, but she's managing," McGrath said.

"They had a very strong love."

'Not the Newfoundland I remember'

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary hascombed through the neighbourhood by the hoteland released a photo of the suspect, but the investigation hasn't led to an arrest so far.

"We've met with the RNCand I feel confident in what they're doing. There's so much going on behind the scenes," said McGrath.

But McGrath hopes the public can play a vital role both in solving this crime, and preventing future ones.

"For me, I hope that they catch this guy. We're really depending on the citizens of St. John'sto come forward and tell the police if they know something," she said.

"I live in Houston, where moms carry guns in their purses to school. For something like this to happen in Newfoundland, it's not the Newfoundland I remember."

Her father's legacy

Along with McGrath and McBay, Wellman also leaves behind a son, six grandchildren, and numerous friends and family.

Those close to Wellman are looking towards a memorial service Saturdayease their pain, but McGrath said even the last few days of recounting Wellman's many adventureshave taken an edge off that.

"The stories have really helped, with just getting through this. They're nice memories to go forward," said McGrath. "I love hearing them, and I want people to share them with us.

"He was a funny guy, and he enjoyed a laugh, and he enjoyed people. Iwant to forget the violence of this, and remember the good times."

For her, that means a memorial filled with humour and music, and a trip to hisfavourite spot, John's Beach, just outside Corner Brook.

And when the ceremony ends, McGrath said another test begins for a family that has already been through so much.

"It's the quiet afterwards that concerns us," said Mcgrath. "But we'll make it through."