Evan Leversage is being remembered as a courageous boy whose infectious laugh and quirky sense of humour captivated those around him.
The seven-year-old St. George, Ont. boy died early Sunday morning, in the arms of his mother following a long battle with an inoperable brain tumour.
Evan attracted international attention when his hometown rallied together to create Christmas in October, to fulfill his wish to celebrate Christmas one more time after doctors informed the family in September that it was unlikely he would survive until Dec. 25.
"Some say he was an angel, placed here to remind us of the important things in life," Evan's obituary reads. "How else can one explain the phenomenon that was Evan."
Just days before his second birthday, Evan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
"He endured round after round of chemo and radiation with courage, patience and good humour," the obituary reads. "Otherwise, Evan was a typical little boy who loved SpongeBob, Pokemon, Batman, Lady Gaga and practical jokes."
Evan had a "special affinity" for big trucks and emergency vehicles and he was proud to have been named an honorary paramedic, firefighter and police officer.
"He stole people's hearts with his quirky sense of humour, his infectious giggle and his captivating smile," the obituary reads.
In a statement released Sunday, Evan's mother, Nicole Wellwood, wrote that her son "died with the most beautiful smile on his face" as she held him in her arms.
"It was as if he knew his mommy needed to see…that he was OK and now in a better place," Wellwood said.
Evan died at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, Ont., where he was admitted on Nov. 4.
Evan's friends and family will be received at Providence Free Reform Church in St. George, Ont. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday Dec. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. at Providence Free Reform Church.
In tribute to seven-year-old, the "Evan's Legacy" fund has been set up within the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to support childhood brain cancer research.
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser to support the family has raised nearly $50,000.
"The impact that Evan has had on the world in his seven years is further reaching and more enduring than most souls who get to stay here ten times as long," his obituary reads. "Without eloquent speeches, profound wisdom and doing anything more than being himself, he stirred hearts around the world."
Evan is said to have represented all children and families who struggle with childhood cancer.
"His quiet bravery, simple wishes and signature thumbs up inspired caring strangers to reach out in love and support," the obituary reads.
