Humboldt Broncos goalie Parker Tobin remembered as smart, funny and kind athlete

More than athousand people paid their respects at the funeral for Humboldt Broncos goalie Parker Tobinin Stony Plain on Sunday.

Tobin was originally thought to have survived the tragic bus crash nearTisdale, Sask. that killed 16 people, but it was later discovered that the coroner made a mistake when identifying the young man. He was honoured by friends, family and teammates at the service Sunday afternoon.

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Nine pallbearers, who all appeared to be in their late teens, carried the casket intothe silent Glenn Hall Centennial Arena.It was placed next to Tobin'sframed jersey and was signed by attendees.

People remembered the 18-year-oldgoalie as an intelligent, talented, multi-sport athlete with a great sense of humour always smiling from ear to ear.

"His leadership shined in and out of sports," said family friend Jeff Cox. He shared memories of playing hockey with Tobin on outdoor rinks in 20 C weather.

Tobin's teachers and peers from Memorial Composite High School remembered him as an honours student with a kind heart. They said hewas always ready to learn, trainand give back to thecommunity.

"You couldn't separate who Parker was as a hockey player from who he was as a student,"staff memberKaren Wendelsaid on behalf of the school. "He made the classroom a better place."

And who could forget the outrageous outfits he sported in gym class short shorts andhigh socks paired with a tight shirt "like a Richard Simmons knock-off," family friendBarb Potter said as attendees laughed at the memory.

People shared stories about his caring and compassionate nature, recalling that he used to invite kids in his neighbourhood to play street hockey. He always encouraged younggoalies to pursue their dreams, and helped teammates on the road with their homework.

His best friend and fellow goalie Brandon Ewanchyshyn saidTobinhad a positive outlook on life.

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Whenever there was a game where Ewanchyshyn let a few too many pucks slip past him, Tobin would say, "Don't worry, we'll get them next time."

Ewanchyshyn said he'll miss Tobin's "famous one-line chirps" and "insane academic abilities."

Ewanchyshyn's grandmothermade the Tobin family a green and yellow quilt that featured photos of the young athlete. It laid on top of the casket during the service.

Many of the stories told were followed by a song one called "Drink a Beer" that featured the lyric "Funny how the good ones go too soon, but the good Lord knows the reasons why."

Stony Plain mayorWilliamChoysaid the community is grieving the loss together.

"I can't imagine, as a father myself, to go through that range of emotions. But the community is here to support the Tobin's any way possible," Choy said.

"It's just been devastating for our community. The Tobin family has been heavily involved in our community, and this is just a big loss for us."