Friends and family of a toddler, killed when a car smashed into a restaurant patio more than a week ago, said their final goodbyes Wednesday - a day after the family held traditional ceremonies to celebrate the little boy's life.
About 350 mourners gathered at a south side church Wednesday for the funeral for 2-year-old Geo Mounsef.
The funeral was held a day after the family held a public memorial for the little boy at a north side church.
The Cree ceremony, slide show and feast to celebrate the little boy’s life were open to the public – one woman was so touched by the tragedy she’s started making ribbons for the Justice for Geo campaign.
“It’s just terrible, just like any other mother, anyone whose loved anybody and had to go through such a tragic loss for no reason, it’s terrible,” Iesher Clark said Tuesday night. “Let’s hope the whole city comes out to support Sage, Geo, George and baby Quentin.”
A spokesperson said Tuesday’s ceremony, including the sharing of pipes, is important to the Cree culture.
“What this is doing is cleansing and trying to repair and heal the wounds that have been created,” Spokesperson Michael Butler said.
The little boy, and his family had been having dinner on the patio of a south side restaurant May 19, when an allegedly impaired driver plowed his vehicle into the patio, striking the whole family.
Mounsef was pinned under the car and was pronounced dead a short time later, his parents and brother suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Police have laid impaired driving-related charges against Richard Suter, 62, in relation to the case.
Suter was granted bail late last week.
