On Thursday evening, the central Alberta community of Spruce Grove came together for a candlelight vigil in honour of Ryder and Radek MacDougall, who were found dead in a home alongside their father Monday morning.
“Two children died at the hands of violence,” said organizer Mandy McPherson, her voice breaking. “My kids are the exact same age. We are a blended family. It could happen to anyone and the unfortunate thing is that it does.”
“I think it’s just really important to create community,” she added. “I live here and if it was my kids, heaven forbid… I would want the people in my community to rally around me as well.”
RCMP said the two boys, aged 11 and 13, were victims of homicide. The death of their father, Corry MacDougall, was deemed a suicide.
READ MORE: 3 people found dead in Spruce Grove house, 2 were children
In order to mourn the loss of Ryder and Radek and remember them together, community members gathered at Central Park (the skating oval next to Grant Fuhr arena) at 6 p.m.
“Those two boys loved being here, loved playing hockey,” the boys’ stepfather Brent Stark said at the vigil. “In today’s day and age, I think a lot of people don’t realize how big our hockey world is. On the ice we compete as competitors, but off the ice, it’s just one big family.
“I look around here today and see these little guys in all these jerseys, playing the sport we all love… On behalf of my family – Tracy, my daughters – I just want to thank you guys for showing your support. Enjoy your Christmas, give your family some big squeezes.”
“I just want to really thank Spruce Grove,” Ryder and Radek’s mother Tracy said. “This was a second home to my kids… they loved Spruce Grove.
“There’s so much love here… I don’t really have words. I’m just truly thankful for every one of you and everyone that’s touched my kids and they’ve touched your lives. Just, thank you.”
Watch below: Video of the Spruce Grove vigil from the Global 1 news helicopter
The vigil, which was put together by a group of Spruce Grove mothers, included a song performed by a friend of Ryder and Radek, a prayer from a local pastor and a release of green balloons.
“I just can’t imagine the devastation that the family is feeling,” Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston said. “It’s hit our community pretty hard as well and I think this evening we’re going to come together and show some support for the family.”
“The community is going to come together,” Houston said. “The boys hadn’t been in Spruce Grove very long but I know a very large number in the community, people that I know were on that team with them and spoke about how well accepted the boys were.
“They were just young boys – playing hockey and going to school… They made a lot of friends. I had one of the kids tell me that he was his best friend.”
The organizers had asked everyone to bring their own candles for the vigil.
READ MORE: Family of boys found murdered west of Edmonton speak at vigil: ‘Never forget them’
Green ribbons were also a visible symbol at the event and were available by donation.
“The boys played for the Spruce Grove Hockey Association, so out of respect, we have also decided to wear green ribbons and to also tie them to the fronts of our houses/car antennas/trees,” the organizer said in a Facebook post.
The group said all money raised will go towards the Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association in the boys’ memory at the family’s request.
READ MORE: Mother of boys killed in Spruce Grove stresses she had primary care in online post
In an online obituary, Ryder is remembered as having “a big heart and a protective nature for his family, especially for his mom and brother, Radek.
“He was very competitive on and off the ice; Ryder knew he was lifted by his teammates and that together they were stronger. He worked hard and practised until he got things perfect. Ryder dreamed of playing in the NHL and his spirit will play on with his Whitecourt and Spruce Grove teammates.”
READ MORE: ‘Beautiful souls’: Stepfather of 2 boys found dead in Spruce Grove home speaks out
Radek is described as having “a caring, kind and sweet nature.
“Everyone who met and knew him loved to be with him. He hated to see others hurting and would do anything to make others feel better. Radek was creative and imaginative and loved making videos with his friends. Radek had a passion for every sport and was great at playing soccer, hockey, basketball and Taekwondo. He was excited about trying lacrosse this year. Radek’s heart was larger than life itself and a piece of him will live on in all who knew and loved him.”
A memorial service for the boys is set for Dec. 29 in Whitecourt, Alta.
“In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association, Box 1767, Whitecourt, AB T7S 1P5,” the obituary reads.