Mourners in Sparwood, B.C., are paying their final respects to eight snowmobilers who were killed in avalanches near the town last week.
Sparwood Mayor David Wilks said he has received letters from as far away as Afghanistan expressing support for the community and victims' families. He also said the tragedy has redefined an already close-knit town.
"This community has bonded together and become one united family," he said.
Friends, family members, and residents in the community filled the town's hockey arena for the service, as the Kimberly Pipe Band played in the background. Thousands were expected to be in attendance, but it appeared that bad weather led to a smaller turn out.
The service followed several days of memorials for the victims, who were killed in a mountainous backcountry area last week.
The victims were: Daniel Bjarnson, 28; Warren Rothel, 33; Thomas Talarico, 32; Kane Rusnak, 30; Len Stier, 45; Stier's son Mikel Stier, 20; Kurt Kabel, 28; and Blayne Wilson, 26.
Three others -- Jeff Adams, James Drake and Jeremy Rusnak -- managed to dig themselves out of the snow after being buried by repeated snowslides.
Pastor David Purdy told the survivors to be thankful and live their lives fully. He then spoke to the families of the victims, telling them their loved ones can remain a part of their lives.
"Know them in your memories and spirit ... invite them into your future," Purdy said.
"We can't fully understand your pain (but) let us assist you in your darkest hours."
To the survivors of the avalanche, Purdy said: "Do not accept the blame of the ignorant who have not walked a mile in your boots ... Discover the tasks that you have yet to fulfill, and live with renewed purpose."
Purdy also spoke to Canadians from across the country, watching the service on television, telling them the victims lived their lives with passion.
"They worked and they played hard. They loved unconditionally," he said.
Derek Pollack spoke on behalf of Thomas Talarico's family.
"Thomas was like a brother to me and to his friends," he said.
He spoke to Talarico's children, telling them their father was a "great man" and his love would live on in his "precious girls."
Pollack also had a message for the survivors of the avalanche.
You have "courage, sensibility and warm hearts," he said, calling them "heroes."
"Hold your heads high."
Renee MacCormack, a relative of Daniel Bjarnson, choked back tears and recalled how much he loved his family, friends and hockey.
She also shared anecdotes about "Danny" and recalled how much fun he had with his friends. But some of his greatest qualities, MacCormack said, were his loyalty and generosity.
"Danny would give the shirt off his back," she said.
"Let's remember how much he touched our lives and made us laugh."
B.C. MP Jim Abbott represented the Canadian government at the memorial. He expressed the condolences of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and parliamentarians, before reading a letter from the Governor General.
Michaelle Jean said the thoughts of all Canadians are with the community, noting that, "We mourn those lost to the unpredictability of nature."
Bill Bennett, the provincial member of legislature for the region, said the community will show its resilience through this tragedy.
"We know we can't take away the anguish and the pain ... but together we do have the power to give our unqualified support for the family and friends" of those who died, he said.
