Close to 3 thousand mourners gathered at the Sparwood Hockey Arena for a public memorial. 8 members of the small community were killed while snowmobiling, after being burried by a series of avalanches. 3 other men survived after digging out of the deep snow.
Killed were 28 year old Daniel Bjarnason, 33 year old Warren Rothel, 28 year old Kurt Kabel, 30 year old Kane Rusnak, 32 year old Thomas Talarico, 26 year old Blayne Wilson and father and son Len and Michael Stier.
A pipe band escorted the family members into the packed arena. Then each man was remembered by a loving friend or relative. Sparwood residents say the service was important, so the community could come together in it's grief.
When the formal service was over, a small candlelight ceremony was held. It was meant to show those who are grieving that there is light in what has been a very dark week.
