Darius Bezecki was remembered as a cheerful young boy who could brighten up any room during an hour-long vigil Monday for the nine-year-old who drowned on the weekend after falling into the Red River.
“He was a cheerful young boy,” said the boy’s great-aunt Celena Genaille who spoke to the media on behalf of the family along with his great-uncle Lester Clarke prior to the start of the vigil at Ernie O’Dowda Memorial Park in Elmwood near the spot where the boy went into the water Friday afternoon. “He loved to play outdoors. He loved to be around his siblings, his grandparents. All who knew him will miss him.”
“Always smiling, always smiling,” added Clarke, holding back his tears. “He would brighten a room up. He would come out with a big smile and a hug. He was an awesome kid.”
Police said the nine-year-old had been on a bike ride with two of his siblings and a friend when he entered the water on the north bank of the Red River near the Louise Bridge on Friday afternoon. The search continued all weekend for the youngster with water rescue units from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Winnipeg Police being deployed as well as drones with thermal imaging technology. The search also included members of the local community, the Bear Clan Patrol and the Mama Bear Clan, many of whom attended Monday’s vigil.
“We’d like to thank everyone who came out to support our family in this difficult time as we let our nephew’s fire burn out today and send him on his journey,” said Genaille.
On Sunday, a fisherman spotted the boy’s body down river and he was recovered by members of the WPS Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.
“Let’s hope if anybody ever sees kids playing by the water (they will step in),” said Clarke, his voice cracking. “It may not be yours but it’s a community that raises kids so it doesn’t matter what colour, what race. Stop and get them away from the shore. That’s the biggest thing so that nobody else has to go through what the family has gone through.”
A private vigil for family members was held Sunday evening at the park. Nearby a small makeshift memorial with a picture of Darius was set up on the banks of the Red River where mourners could leave toys, flowers and candles.
“I don’t know the family, I don’t know that little boy,” said community member Darryl Contois, who helped in the search and led Monday’s ceremony. “I know he had a good heart.”
“This little boy touched my heart,” he added.
Members of the Winnipeg Police and the WFPS and their dive and water rescue units were singled out for recognition during the vigil for their efforts to find the youngster. The Winnipeg Police River Patrol boat stood by on the river and near the end of the ceremony, the mourners turned and saluted the boat’s three-person crew.
Small sachets of tobacco were handed out and at the end of the ceremony were thrown into the Red River or into a fire on the shore.
Twitter: @SunGlenDawkins
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020
