More than 1,000 people came together in Whitecourt Thursday to say goodbye to two boys killed in their Spruce Grove home last week.
A funeral service for Ryder and Radek MacDougall was held Thursday afternoon at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre.
RCMP said Ryder, 13, and Radek, 11, were killed by their father at his home on Monday, Dec. 19. Corry MacDougall then took his own life.
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Tables were set up in the lobby of the rec centre, showcasing pictures of the young brothers. Avid hockey players, both boys were pictured in team jerseys.
Bagpipes were played as members of the boys’ family made their way into the room for the service. The rec centre was packed with members of the boys’ hockey teams, family and friends. Many of Ryder and Radek’s teammates we wearing their jerseys.
The service started with messages for the boys, written by their mother, Tracy Stark, and read by Rodney Koscielny.
“As I look at a picture of your innocent brown eyes and flawless smile, I can’t help but be proud to be your mom,” Stark wrote of Ryder. “You were such a beautiful soul, not only on the outside but the inside as well.”
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Stark wrote about Ryder’s love for hockey and his competitive nature, saying he spent hours in the yard practicing his slap shot.
“I wish you knew how great you were, Ryder, not only with a hockey stick in hand but as a person and most of all a son.”
Stark wrote about Radek’s infectious smile and big heart.
“Even when you were in trouble it was hard to follow through, as you were always there with an apology letter, a hug and even a discipline option. This was pretty funny.”
She wrote of her son’s love for hockey and lacrosse and his willingness to try anything new. She also wrote about his kind nature.
“I already miss you asking, ‘how was your day, mom?'” Koscielny read
“This world needs more people like you, Radek. Always putting everyone ahead of yourself.”
Stark called her boys her “beautiful angels” and wrote that while she will miss them, she will see them again.
“You’re now my angels and the most precious angels anyone could ask for. I can’t wait to see you again. I love you to the moon and back.”
Watch below: Rodney Koscielny reads the letters Tracy Stark wrote for her sons, Ryder and Radek.
READ MORE: ‘There’s so much love here’: Ryder and Radek MacDougall’s mother thanks Spruce Grove
Those in attendance also heard from Ryder’s spring hockey coach Miles Valiquette, who sent his condolences to the boys’ family and spoke about a brotherly relationship that had started to grow between them.
“I only knew Ryder for one short year, but in that year Ryder became like a little brother to me,” he said. “I consider them both like little brothers.”
Valiquette said Ryder was a dream to coach and he always looked forward to seeing him and his brother.
“Ryder and Radek, my little buddies, may you rest in peace and make sure you look over us all,” he said.
After the service, the ice rink at the rec centre was opened up for a family skate, something Koscielny said the boys would have loved.
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