Loved ones of Brian Ilesic, a doting father and armoured guard – whose life was cut short in June in an armed robbery, are joining forces to raise money for his young daughter.

Ilesic was part of a team of guards working for G4S security who were shot on the U of A Campus in June.

Now, Ilesic’s family and friends are remembering the man as having a big heart, and an infectious smile.

“My brother Brian was probably one of the best friends you could ever ask for in a brother,” Greg Ilesic said. “He was very strong, very respectful, very loyal.”

Early on the fateful morning of June 15, a team of five armoured guards were at HUB Mall, delivering cash to ATMs when four of them were shot during an armed robbery.

Ilesic, 35, along with Michelle Shegelski, 26 and Eddie Rejano, 39, were all killed in the incident – a fourth guard, Matthew Schuman, 26, survived and recovered in hospital.

Their co-worker Travis Baumgartner has been arrested and facing a number of charges including murder and attempted murder in connection to the shooting and robbery.

“All the victims were trying to do their jobs, and unfortunately all their lives were taken,” Greg Ilesic said. “We’re doing our best to remember them as much as we can.”

In Ilesic’s memory, they’re working together to help his 12-year-old daughter Kiannah.

“He was probably the number one dad,” Ilesic’s brother Keith said. “He always put his daughter in front of him no matter what.”

“It’s been really hard for her, [but] due to the people she’s surrounded by and love from everybody, it helps. She’s being as strong as she can be," Greg said.

A trust fund has been set up, and a fundraiser has been organized, all to raise money for “Brian’s Promise” for Kiannah.

“We decided maybe we should do something to continue living Brian’s legacy, living what Brian would have done,” Keith Illesic said.

All proceeds from Friday’s event and the trust fund will go directly to support Kiannah, and ensure she has a bright future.

Donations can be made at any Scotiabank branch, to the Kiannah Ilesic Trust Fund, with the account number 80549 0427683.

With files from Ashley Molnar