WINNIPEG — There were many tears and heavy hearts Monday evening at the Gateway Recreation Centre. Hundreds of people of all ages and cultures came together to honour the life of 17-year-old Cooper Nemeth.
“Cooper’s last day he united a city, a province, and the humanity in all of us,” Brent Nemeth, Cooper’s dad said.
Cooper’s parents stood together and thanked the community for their constant support during the search and after.
“Regardless of status, race, upbringing, you all came out to find our boy, we cried, hoped and prayed as one,” Cooper’s dad said.
RELATED: ‘I’m here when you’re ready,’ TJ Wiebe’s mom reaches out to Cooper Nemeth’s family
A traditional drum circle and smudging ceremony was led by the Bear Clan Patrol. Organizers said it was an honour to hold the ceremony.
“This is the first time we’ve been asked to do something like this, and on such a grand scale,” James Favel with the group said.
RAW: Cooper Nemeth’s parents speak at a smudging ceremony in their son’s honour Monday evening
RELATED: Winnipeg man charged in Cooper Nemeth homicide was on probation
Cooper’s aunt Laresa Sayles said the family is overwhelmed by the messages of support and that the Gateway Recreation Centre will always have a special place in their heart. “If his spirit was here and watching, I know he would’ve loved this,” Sayles said. “I hope he’s at peace in heaven now.”
Full Statement from the Nemeth family
Brent, Gaylene & Kiana Nemeth along with their family would like to acknowledge the overwhelming response of support to their son Cooper Nemeth’s disappearance and subsequent passing.
“We are not a family that asks for help, we have always strived to be humble and helpful by opening our home to any one at any time. But when we needed it, you all came out in full force.
In Cooper’s last days he united a city, a province, and the humanity in all. He became not only our son, brother, nephew, grandson and great grandson, but yours as well. Regardless of status, race, or upbringing all of you came out to find our boy. We cried, hoped and prayed as one, as it should be. Thank you.
Our entire family is in awe of the love you all showed for our boy. He has now become Winnipeg’s boy. Thousands of you gave your time, your effort, your resources and all you had to bring Cooper home.
Now you are all supporting us again with your outpouring of condolences, well wishes, and offers of help in our time of sorrow. Thank you.
We’d like to thank the all the businesses, and individuals that sent in donations during our search to keep the volunteers and our family going strong with supplies, food, time, and more. There are too many to list at this time. Thank you.
We’d like to thank The Winnipeg Police Department and our family especially my sister Laresa, her husband Brent and to our very good friends Andrew and Cory for jumping to immediate action and rallying the community and the media to find Cooper. There was so many of you and I cannot list all of you right now but you know who you are.
You shook this earth so hard and screamed from the rooftops so loud to find our boy and he was found. You made so much noise that it scared all those involved in hurting Cooper, and that is why he was found and justice will prevail.
You kept us strong and our hopes high throughout this ordeal and now you show so much love and support. Cooper’s loss will serve to bring his family closer than ever before. We love you all so very much.
All our lives will never been the same. We will heal and adapt over time, but we know now there is a community and a family that will be doing the same. As you are all sorry for our loss, we are sorry for yours.
We love you Cooper, more than we can ever say or show. You will be by our side every step we take.”
#ripcip