More than 200 people, including friends, family and co-workers, gathered in the Old Port to remember the life of Riley Jonathan Valcin, 22, who died on Christmas Day in a work accident at the Ferris wheel in the Old Port of Montreal.
The people whose lives were touched by Valcin brought flowers and gave speeches, describing him as a successful, funny, hardworking man and an amazing friend.
His best friend, Roberto Rivera-Rubio, said Valcin changed his life after giving him the confidence to shed his shy attitude.
“He was always smaller than me, but he is a giant, he has always shown it,” said Rivera-Rubio, fighting back tears.
“You would think that I would be defending him. But it was Riley who always stood up for me when I was in danger. Riley would introduce herself. He was a warrior to the end ”.
Rivera Rubio’s emotional speech and Valcin’s description also brought tears to his parents, Micheline Casseus and Gamaniel Valcin.
I’m sure he’ll be watching us from above. Thanks Riley, you were the best friend I could have, ”said Rivera-Rubio.
“I feel like he is here with me and he takes my arm like when we were children. Even after his death, he continues to help me. I thank you my brother. “
Read more:
The man who died in the Montreal Ferris wheel accident was a civil engineering student
After the speeches, people headed to the foot of the Ferris wheel, where Valcin spent some of the last moments of his life.
To the tune of Amazing Grace, attendees released white balloons in her memory.
Valcin worked for La Grande Roue in his spare time.
But on Christmas Day, he tragically lost his life in a work accident.
Since then, the wheel has not been in operation and will not be until further notice, according to La Grande Roue.
Valcin was a civil engineering student at Polytechnique.
She leaves behind her grieving father, mother, and older brother, Joey Valcin, who organized the vigil, as well as friends like Alexis Poirier.
“The only thing I can remember about him is his positive energy and what he transmitted to the world. With anyone, really with anyone, ”said Poirier, a friend from school.
“He would always be positive.”
Read more:
An employee of the Ferris wheel of the Old Port of Montreal dies at work in unclear circumstances
Since Valcin’s passing, a GoFundMe It was created by Rivera-Rubio to help the family with expenses.
The Quebec workplace safety board is investigating the circumstances surrounding Valcin’s death.
He will be buried this weekend.
– with files from The Canadian Press
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca