It was a somber, emotional scene outside the Lincoln County Courthouse Friday night.

A large group of people gathered at a candlelight vigil to hear about deceased county deputy Ryan Terpsma from Lincoln County sheriff Darren Short and Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino.

A moment of silence and prayers were offered in honor and memorium of the departed.

The assembled group also heard about Merrisa Marie Walker, a Eureka mother who, life Terpsma, lost her life in a senseless, tragic shooting Oct. 30. They heard, too, about Eureka police officer Dave Steed, shot multiple times while responding to the incident but fortunately survived his wounds thanks to protective gear.

A memorial to Deputy Terpsma stood nearby, honoring a man who gave his life while protecting some of the county's most vulnerable citizens.

It included a poster-size photo of the law officer, displayed on an easel. It was surrounded by a number of floral arrangements and protected from the elements by a canopy.

Some attendees placed items in memorium of Deputy Terpsma at the site. Others stopped to offer a prayer.

Local woman and business person Chelsea Mugford, the daughter of retired county lawman Kirk Kraft, organized the vigil. County commissioner-elect Stu Crismore lit participants' candles.

Prior to the vigil, a long procession of law enforcement vehicles from many jurisdictions transported Deputy Terpsma's remains to the Libby Airport where a plane waited to take the fallen deputy home to Bellingham, Washington.

Scenes of support were elsewhere, too. On the marquee of the Dome Theater were the words, "God Bless Officer Terpsma."

Matthew David Dye, 50, of Kalispell, faced deliberate homicide charges and an attempted deliberate homicide charge in the alleged incident, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, while he was lodged in the Missoula County Detention Center.

Following standard operating procedures of an in-custody death, county Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen requested the City of Missoula Police Department conduct the investigation into Dye's death.

More memorial events are planned in Eureka to support Walker.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, a candlelight vigil and honor circle for deputy Terpsma, Walker, veterans and first responders will be held at the Lincoln County School District Track facility, located at 1010 Osloski Road in Eureka.

Attendees will gather to honor Deputy Terpsma, Walker, first responders and Veterans in the community as it works to heal in the wake of the tragedy. 

It will be co-hosted by Mayor Sonya Richardson and Lincoln County School District Superintendent Joel Graves.

For Walker’s family, a Meal Train has been established to support them in various ways. It may be accessed at https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/423102. 

A GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-merrisa-walker?cp_src=d was also launched to help her family. It said that her daughter and father were injured during the incident and were left without vehicles. Additionally, Merrisa’s father’s home was completely destroyed. The page said all donations would go toward the funeral expenses, assisting family members and to Merrisa’s only daughter to help her.

Also, Nathan Duram invited community members to the Eureka Church of God Saturday, Nov. 14 for a fundraiser to support Walker's family. It begins at about 11 a.m.

Duram said in a Facebook post there will be free burgers, beans and cole slaw. A bounce house will be set up for the kids, a cornhole tournament run by Travis Sanders, and axe throwing. There will be multiple fire pits to keep warm and make s’mores and there will be many opportunities for each person share of themselves to ease the grief that a tragedy has brought to our community. 

"I believe that the fire that burns in the hearts of the followers of Christ can help heal the wounds this world will bring," Duram said. "There is nothing that God cannot heal and together we can bring our community comfort. I’m going to start the fire at 11 and start cooking by noon. 

Duram said there will be a few nice raffle prizes and some silent auction baked goods. 

"I cannot give you words of comfort, but I can make a place for us to share in each other’s lives," Duram said.

He said donations of items for the silent auction should be brought to the church by Thursday, Nov. 12. Duram said folks with questions may call or text him at 406-471-7980. 

"Anyone interested in helping me make this go smoothly will be gladly welcome," he said. "Thank you. I love you all."

    A memorial to Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Terpsma is in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)