WINNIPEG – A Winnipeg family had to frantically making alternative plans for a memorial service after a vehicle hit the East End Arena and Community Club overnight.
The family of Bradley Little, who died Oct. 24 at age 43 and was a longtime volunteer at the arena, was left scrambling after the crash caused a gas leak at the facility, where they planned a 10 a.m. memorial service.
The service was held at the Club Regent Casino Hotel at 11:30 a.m. and the family accepted food donations at the casino until noon.
About 20 homes in Transcona were evacuated after the gas leak, possibly of ammonia, started when the vehicle hit the arena just before 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Residents took refuge in a bus for a couple hours after while the hazardous materials unit worked to stop the leak, which may have been ammonia, police said.
But Little’s family and friends, who had stayed at the arena until 1 a.m. getting ready for the service, found out the food had been ruined and they had to secure a new venue.
Get daily National news
Candy Hartle, whose sister is married to Little’s brother and whose children called him uncle, sent out a Twitter plea Wednesday morning and in short order, the memorial was rescheduled.
Little, a father of two who died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm, was heavily involved in the community and a lot of effort went into preparing for his memorial, which is expected to be well-attended.
“Everyone worked so hard last night to get it set up,” she said.
The arena was an unusual setting for a memorial but it was suitable for Little.
“He was on the board and coached hockey there,” Hardle said. “His kids play hockey and ringette (there).”
A local restaurant has donated pizza but the family would still appreciate donations of suitable food, such as wraps, sandwiches or dainties.
The family is grateful to all the people who have stepped forward to help, Hartle said.
Comments