Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Newfoundland Sunday, bidding a final farewell to three of seven people claimed by a two-vehicle crash on highway 63.
A steady stream of prayers, songs and stories were shared at the Gander Community Centre, during a service for pastor Shannon Wheaton, his wife Trena, and their youngest son Benjamin.
The three died on scene after their pickup truck collided head-on with another vehicle on April 27th. Timothy Wheaton, the couple's three-year-old son, and another man were the only ones who survived.
While the family is originally from Newfoundland, they were living in Fort McMurray at the time of the crash. Shannon was a well-known children's minister at the Family Christian Centre.
Many who spoke at the service remember the family as dedicated to its faith and generous in its hospitality. The reverend and his wife were known for their open door policy, always ready to share a meal or put up a Christmas stocking for people spending holidays away from loved ones.
"One could say Trena had three loves in her life," said one speaker. "Love for her faith in God, love for her family, and love for her friends."
A trust fund is now active for the toddler who lost his immediate family. Those who wish to make donations can contact the the Bank of Montreal in Gander, Transit # 1032 - Account# 8993228.
