BANGKOK, Thailand (27 Dec 2006) -- It was supposed to be the long-anticipated vacation of a lifetime for a young Calgary family of four: six weeks touring Southeast Asia, taking in sun-splashed beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling and a Christmas Day with friends. Instead, the Keffer family's dream holiday turned into a nightmare Monday when an armed robber stormed into their small Christmas party in Bangkok. Police say the man fatally shot Mark Jay Keffer, 42, and wounded his wife Mona before fleeing into the night. Family friends said it was unclear whether the couple's two sons, Mitchell and Mackenzie, who are believed to be between eight and 10 years old, witnessed the attack. "It's shocking to all of us, the bad news to happen at Christmas," said Allan Doherty, who lives in Trail, B.C., where Mr. Keffer grew up. The gunman sneaked into the private party off the balcony of what is believed to be Ms. Keffer's brother's apartment, Thai police said. He was taking $400 (U.S.) cash and a digital camera from the eight party guests when Ms. Keffer attacked him with her purse. The thief then opened fire, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Sarawuth Dejsri. The family's Southeast Asian tour was to have included a stop to visit family in Malaysia. The Keffers were described as loving parents to their two young boys. Friends in Trail said Mr. Keffer often brought his family to visit his parents. Dr. Ken Wagner, who has known the family for about 35 years, said Mr. Keffer's parents, Mike and Anne, will leave as soon as possible to pick up their grandchildren in Thailand. They declined to comment yesterday. | 
