It was a sombre day in Red Deer as the family and friends of Brad and Krista Howe gathered Friday to say goodbye to the married couple who was killed in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning.
Close to 800 people packed into the Harvest Centre for the emotional memorial in Red Deer Friday afternoon.
"It's so hard to say goodbye to such great people, but I guess we move on and from now, I guess from this point forward, we look after those kids and take it day by day," said family spokesperson Mitchell White.
Brad Howe, 34 and his wife Krista Howe, 35, were killed after their Chrysler Neon was t-boned by a pickup truck at the intersection of Ironstone Drive and 30th Avenue at about 2 a.m. Sunday.
The two were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision, but both were pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
The Howe's leave behind five children, three of their own and a niece and nephew they were raising.
The 22-year-old driver of the pickup truck is facing a number of charges including impaired driving.
"She was dedicated and loyal and a wonderful girl," said Krista's mother, Sandra Green in a moving tribute. "Krista was the girl who got 88 in physics and still went for extra help."
While remembering Brad, Green said "He was always positive and uplifting and never, ever made anyone feel insignificant and small."
The couples five children are said to be holding up well considering the circumstances.
The Howe family says a trust fund has been set up under the couple's name.
Those who wish to donate can drop off donations at any credit union in Alberta or Saskatchewan in an envelope addressed to the Foam Lake Credit Union, including the name of the fund and transit number: 80838-889.
The account number is: 820000016171.
Chad Olsen, 22, of Sedalia, Alta., has been charged with two counts of impaired driving causing death, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol over .08 causing death.
