WINNIPEG — A ‘celebration of life’ took place Monday at 3 p.m. for Cooper Nemeth.
In an obituary posted Friday the family said the 17-year-old would be honoured during a service Feb. 29 at the Calvary Temple.
“Please remember Cooper in the way he lived and not the tragic, senseless way he died,” Brent Nemeth, Cooper’s dad said on Monday at the Calvary Temple. “Cooper, I will see you again one day. I’ll bring my skates and we’ll go to the ODR as the cold wind blows in our face. RIP our number one son.”
One thousand people crowded the church where Cooper’s jersey was placed at the front. The rest of his jerseys from former teams lined the foyer.
READ MORE: Timeline of Winnipeg teen Cooper Nemeth’s disappearance
Nemeth disappeared in the early hours of Feb. 14th. For one week hundreds gathered daily to search. His body was found on Feb. 20. In the obituary the family wrote:
“All our lives will never be 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. We love you Cooper, more than we can ever say or show. You will be by our side every step we take.”
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RELATED: Cooper Nemeth’s parents speak at smudging ceremony
The family has repeatedly expressed how grateful it was for the support of the community and did so again in the obituary.
“We would also like to thank our close friends for ensuring we had what we needed and taking to the streets in the masses. Words cannot express how thankful we are for all of you.”
The family has asked in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Coopers name, to the Dianne Woods Memorial Player Assistance Fund (Hockey Winnipeg), KidSport Winnipeg or by contacting James Favel with the Bear Clan Patrol.
The Bear Clan is a north end patrol group that helped out in the search. After his body was found, they coordinated a smudge ceremony to honour the teen.
22-year-old Nicholas Bell-Wright has been charged with second-degree murder.
READ MORE: Police charge 22-year-old with second-degree murder in Cooper Nemeth death
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