TORONTO – While the family of a Chinese student who was brutally killed and dismembered in Montreal last month is still reeling after the “devastating attack,” they say that they’ve been “moved” by the unwavering goodwill and support that has helped them.
In a statement distributed by Concordia University Tuesday, Jun Lin’s family recounted the outpouring of compassion they’ve received, thanking consulates and embassies, the Montreal police, Concordia University along with citizens in Canada and abroad for their kind words and efforts to help.
“This tragic loss is not only a devastating attack to our family, but also has had a tremendous impact on the whole society,” they wrote in a one-page statement.
“We are deeply touched by the kindness inspired by this human tragedy.”
33-year-old Lin believed in Buddhism. He was an excellent student and model employee who loved to help others, the family shared in the letter after speaking with his teachers and employer at a local convenience store.
“Jun Lin was our beloved son. As the only son in the family, he was our pride and hope,” they wrote.
Get breaking National news
“To his parents, he was a loving and considerate son. To his sister, he was a big brother who was always there for her…his friends said he was optimistic, ambitious and open-minded. He always trusted people with a positive approach to life.”
Lin was studying engineering and computer science at Concordia University. The school is setting up an award that will be named in his honour and a fund to help his parents, sister and uncle cover their expenses during their trip to Canada.
They arrived on June 5 and will stay to eventually take the body back to China to be buried.
Concordia University has set up a website for those wishing to donate to the Jun Lin Family Fund or the Lin Jun Award.
The family said in the letter that the award “perfectly reflects” Lin’s compassionate spirit, and thanked those who offered condolences and assistance.
“We are very grateful and moved by the kindness and sympathy for us,” they wrote.
“It is our wish to take this opportunity to turn a devastating situation into something positive that brings the goodness and peace back to society.”
Small shrines have popped up near the university, and outside the convenience store Lin worked at.
Concordia said last week that it has received a flood of calls and emails from the public from around the world. The school took over the Lin Jun Rest in Peace Foundation, which was a bank account set up by the Concordia Chinese Students Association because Concordia officials are more equipped to handle the fund.
The family said in the letter that they are not ready to speak with the media.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.