A community of friends, family, school mates, coaches, police officers and others gathered at Coquitlam Alliance Church Saturday to share their grief and stories about teenager Alfred Wong, who was killed by a stray bullet two weeks ago.
Those who spoke at the emotional service Saturday morning described the 15-year-old Pinetree secondary student as both funny and serious, diligent and playful, a loving son, and a thoughtful and compassionate individual.
"15 years was far too short of a time on earth, but for 15 years, he lived a life full of happiness and joy," said Wilfred Wong, Alfred's older brother.
But the teen's shocking death by a stray bullet fired in a gang shooting on Saturday, Jan. 13 in Vancouver was never far from the minds of those who attended the touching and solemn service.
"Some of us are angry… why, why did this happen," said Rev. Caleb Choi of the Coquitlam Christ Church of China.
But instead of criticizing the proliferation of crime or police and government actions, people can make a positive choice, he said.
As an example, he cited Alfred Wong's parents choice to channel their grief into two scholarships in their son's name, one at Pinetree, where Wong was a Grade 10 student and another through the Hyack Swim Club, where the teen swam for seven years.
"When I heard about this I was moved," Choi said, noting that the teen's ambitions had been to be an electronics engineer and a lifeguard and the scholarships will help other youth realize their dreams.
"They chose to deal with this in a positive way," he said.
The teen's basketball coach, Steve Ashley, remembered how the youngster appeared to be free to have fun on the basketball court, even though he had to work extra hard in the drills because he was left handed.
As a salute to their fallen team member, players in an inter-squad game of Tri-City Youth Basketball last Saturday played left-handed for the entire first half.
The boys were "laughing and running," as they remembered their friend, coach Ashley said.
Faith and their Christian beliefs have helped the family through the tragedy, according to Choi, who noted that members of the congregation have been praying every day for the boy and his family, the police officers and the government.
Still, it was an emotional Samson Wong, Alfred's father, who took a moment to thank members of the community for their support.
The elder Wong said the family still "cannot believe what happened."
"In the 15 years we spent almost every day together, Alfred, you brought us so much unforgettable memories. You are a good son to mom and dad. You are a good brother to Wilfred," he said.
However, he said the family is asking for forgiveness for failing to protect him.
"We wished the bullet would have gone through our heart, not yours."
The Vancouver Police Department, some of whose members attended the memorial service, are continuing to investigate the shooting as part of a wave of gang violence in the region.
At the end of the service, the audience listened to the choir and watched a video of Alfred Wong, who had earned a black belt in martial arts, enjoyed traveling with his family and enjoyed playing video games with his friends.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the people are asked to contribute to the SD43 and Hyack Swim Club scholarships.
