Mourners gathered in Victoria and Vancouver Saturday to honour the life of Xavier Pelletier, the 16-year-old boy who died last weekend during the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
A celebration of life was held at the Glad Tidings Church in Victoria at 11 a.m. to remember the Grade 10 student, who died tragically while riding as a tribute to his uncle, a cancer survivor.
Pelletier was killed in Arlington, Washington Sunday when he lost balance and fell into the path of an oncoming car.
Witnesses said he was trying to pass a group of riders when he clipped a wheel of another cyclist and fell.
He was hit by a car driven by a woman in her 50s, who stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.
Pelletier’s family said he was a talented athlete, a gentle soul and a boy who cared deeply about his family and the community.
Students and staff at Pacific Christian School in Victoria, where Pelletier attended since Grade 8, remembered him as an athlete and a school leader.
“I think his legacy will always be remembered as an engaging, well-liked young man, very involved in sports, very involved in encouraging other students as well,” said principal David O’Dell.
An obituary published Saturday described Pelletier as an active member of the Victoria R.E.A.D. society, who worked diligently to overcome dyslexia.
Pelletier was also an avid sailor and one of the youngest sailors aboard Pacific Grace in the Victoria S.A.L.T.S. program.
“He will be remembered for his compassion, generosity of spirit and easy going nature. He was always there to help, to enjoy a laugh and offer a kind word. An honest, gentle soul, he cared deeply for his family, friends and community. Xav always saw the good in people and never uttered a harsh word in anger,” read the obituary.
In Vancouver, cyclists gathered at Denman and Davie streets at 11 a.m. Saturday and rode to Horseshoe Bay in honour of Pelletier.
Pelletier’s death raised questions about the safety of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, but president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation said safety is their top priority.
“Safety is our top priority at The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Event organizers plan year-round to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” he said in a statement.
The annual ride is the biggest fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation with 2,600 riders taking part this year. About $10.4 million was raised this year.
Donate:
Pacific Christian School has set up the”Xavier Pelletier Memorial Fund” at the Royal Bank of Canada.
Across the country, anyone can contribute at any bank with the following information:
Xavier Pelletier Memorial Fund
Transit: 08000
Institution: 003
Account Number: 1009570
In lieu of flowers, he Pelletier family said that donations can also be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in Xavier Pelletier’s name and participant number 272623-4. Kindly mail cheques to the BC Cancer Foundation 150 – 686 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3R8
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