Family and friends gathered Tuesday to celebrate the lives of John Baxter and his two daughters, Julianne and Coral. The three were killed last week after they were struck by a passenger train.
Last Tuesday, the family's pickup truck was hit by a VIA Rail passenger train just after 8:30 a.m. in the Winterburn industrial area, west of 215 Street and 111 Avenue.
During the memorial, Reverend Kelly Desmarais said the father-of-three lived for his little girls.
"He died for them as well, so that they would not have to make the journey home alone."
Baxter is described as a unique father who was well known at his daughters' school in Winterburn.
Winterburn School principal Shane Dzivinski says Julianne and Coral were vibrant and full of life.
Students at the school are planning a memorial for the young girls next week.
Baxter leaves behind his wife, Alana and their two-and-a-half-year-old son, John Jr.
A trust fund for John Jr. has been set up at Alberta Treasury branches.
With files from Serena Mah
