Murray Wood: Who's being fooled this April 1?
Murray Wood says every day is April Fools Day in the disinformation age and, as ever, some people will never believe the...
Over the next few days, families and friends will be gathering at funerals and memorial services to bid their final goodbyes to the 16 people killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
On April 6, the Humboldt Broncos were traveling to Nipawin for a playoff game when the team bus carrying 29 people collided with a semi-truck 30 kilometres north of Tisdale.
While some of the funerals will be private family services, other public memorials are planned to accommodate large crowds.
Thursday, April 12
Tyler Bieber, the 29-year-old radio play-by-play announcer for the Broncos was remembered for his sense of humour and dedication to the community.
He is the first of 16 to be laid to rest. His funeral begins at 10 a.m. at the Elgar Peterson Arena in Humboldt.
Friday, April 13
Jacob Leicht the 19-year-old, Humboldt native played left-wing for the Broncos. In his obituary his family writes “Jacob flew on the ice, now he is flying with the angels.”
His funeral will be held at the Elgar Peterson Arena in Humboldt at 10 a.m. People attending are invited to wear their favourite jersey or the colour green and to bring horns and noisemakers for the final farewell.
Glen Doerksen, 59, was driving the bus for the Broncos and was killed in the crash on Friday. He was from Carrot River and his funeral is planned for 2 p.m. at the Carrot River Community Hall.
Adam Herold from Montmarte, Saskatchewan would have turned 17 on Thursday. He was the captain of the Regina Pat Canadians before getting called up to play with the Broncos for the playoffs.
His family described him as a friendly small town boy who loved gardening, hunting and snowmobiling as well as hockey. His funeral service is at 2 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Montmarte.
Saturday, April 14
Brody Hinz, 18, was a high school student from Humboldt who worked as the statistician for the Broncos. He was remembered by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in Humboldt for his warm, giant heart and his capacity to help the community wherever he could.
His funeral service is at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Humboldt.
Logan Boulet, 21, from Lethbridge played defence for the Broncos and is being remembered as a hero. By signing his organ donor card, he has now inspired many Canadians to become organ donors.
In his obituary, his family remembers him as “a creative soul who loved adventures both in his own backyard and across the world. He was drawn to art and music and took time to look, listen, and create with his talents. He was a quiet guy, yet never failed to light up the room with his quick wit. He is remembered by those who knew him best for his antics to bring laughter to any moment in time.”
A private funeral service is being held for his family and friends on Friday. A celebration of his life is planned for the Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre in Lethbridge, Alta. on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Darcy Haugan, the 42-year-old head coach of the Broncos has been described by many as an amazing mentor and wonderful man.
A celebration of his life is planned for the Elgar Peterson Arena in Humboldt at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 15
Logan Schatz, the 21-year-old centre from Allan, Saskatchewan was the team captain of the Broncos. He is being remembered as a born leader and kind-hearted role model with a contagious laugh.
All are welcome to attend the service at 1 p.m. at the Allan Communiplex at 1 p.m.
Monday, April 16
Evan Thomas, the 19-year-old centre from Saskatoon is being remembered by a family friend organizing the funeral as a fantastic athlete and brilliant young man who lived by three words: love, respect and humility.
In his obituary the family speaks of his love for his teammates. “Quality time with his teammates was a direct line to Evan’s heart. Sometimes we think Evan played the sport not so much because he loved the sport itself, but because he loved the people he played with. The last team to benefit from Evan’s love was the Humboldt Broncos. If there is some comfort for him in this tragedy, it will come from the fact that he died amongst teammates he loved.”
His public memorial service is being planned to accommodate a large crowd at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon at 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17
A combined memorial service will be held at Rogers Place arena in Edmonton at 1 p.m. for Jaxon Joseph, Logan Hunter, Parker Tobin and Stephen Wack who were all from Alberta. The public is welcome to attend the celebration of life, but floor seating is reserved for family and close friends.
Jaxon Joseph, 21, originally from Edmonton played centre for the Broncos. He was the son of former NHLer Chris Joseph. He played minor hockey for the St. Albert Raiders and was remembered for his tenacity and someone who never gave up on his hockey dreams.
Logan Hunter, 18, from St. Albert, played right-wing for the Broncos. His former coach with the Raiders described him as a tremendous kid and big teddy bear who always had a smile on his face.
Stephen Wack was a 21-year-old defenceman originally from St. Albert. He is being remembered as a talented videographer.
Parker Tobin, the 18-year-old goalie for the Broncos was originally from Stony Plain, Alta.
Wednesday, April 18
Conner Lukan, the 21-year-old from Slave Lake, Alta. played left-wing for the Broncos. In his obituary he is being remembered for spending his life doing what he loved. He is being remembered for his big heart and award-winning smile
His funeral service is being held at the Gathering Place in Slave Lake at 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 21
Mark Cross was the 27-year-old from Strasbourg, Saskatchewan was the assistant coach of the Broncos. He was remembered by relatives for the way he effortlessly touched peoples’ lives.
His funeral will be held at the Strasbourg Rec Centre at 2 p.m.
Dayna Brons, the 24-year-old athletic therapist for the Broncos died of her injuries surrounded by her family in the hospital on Wednesday. In a statement her family wrote: “Dayna will be forever remembered for her joyful smile, and her passion and love of sport.”
Her funeral arrangements have yet to be made.
