Slain Toronto police officer Jeffrey Northrup remembered as amiable, gentle giant at funeral

Slain Toronto police officer Const.Jeffrey Northrup, who was killed last week in the line of duty,wasremembered at his funeral Monday as a kind, gentle giant who loved his family deeply and was quick to lend a hand wherever he could.

Northrup's casket was draped in the Canadian flag and wheeled into BMO Field in downtown Torontoin sombre silence just before 1:30 p.m. ET. His cap and a medal sat on pillows atop of the casket as the servicebegan.

Northrup's wife, Margaret, told the crowd that her husbandtruly loved life, and life loved him back. She praised his kind heart andamazing work effort, with her voice only waveringwhen mentioning their three kids Brennen, Samantha and Mitchell.

"Your daddy loves you so much," she said, before reflecting on the couple'srelationship.

"I am so grateful to have had you in my life for 28 years. You were my knight, my strength, my confidant, and my best friend I am lost without you.However, Iwill remain strong with you still in my heart, and by my side.

"Goodbye, my love."

WATCH | Margaret Northrup speaks about her husband:

You were my knight: Wife of Const. Jeffrey Northrup gives emotional goodbye to her husband

3 years ago

Duration 1:29

Margaret Northrup spoke at a funeral on Monday for her husband, Jeffrey, describing him as someone who truly loved life. You were my knight, my strength, my confidant, and my best friend, she said.

Master of ceremonies Supt. Peter Code told the amassed mourners that, to fellow officers, the 31-year veteran from 52 Divisionwas "the hardest of all workers" who would take on any task. Northrupwas always the first to arrive for a job, Code said.

"And he would do it with a smile," he said.

Rows of uniformed police officers sat distanced from each other in the stands. Attendees included Toronto Mayor John Tory and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

The premier offeredhis condolences to Northrup's family, saying the officer made the"ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

"He did so as a hero. He put his life on the line in order to serve and protect his community, and this is a debt we will never be able to repay," Ford said.

WATCH |Northrup remembered at his funeral:

Courageous police officer, husband and son: Toronto, Ontario officials speak to the life of Const. Jeffrey Northrup

3 years ago

Duration 3:43

Toronto and Ontario officials spoke Monday at a funeral held for Const. Jeffrey Northrup, who investigators say was killed in a deliberate act earlier this month while responding to a report of a robbery in a parking lot beneath Toronto City Hall.

Investigators say Northrup was killed in a deliberate act last week while responding to a report of a robbery in a parking lot at Toronto City Hall.

They say he died after being struck by a vehicle. A 31-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Northrup lived in Brampton with his wife and three children, ages 21, 19 and 17, Toronto police said in a news release.

"Jeff was hugely liked by his neighbours, community, colleagues and friends. He has been praised for his kindness, energy and enthusiasm for work and life," the release said.

"He was dedicated to his wife and family, and his work as a police officer."

Northrup started in 1989 as a court officer, before graduating from police college in 1999 and heading to 11 Division, and then to 52 Division in 2008.

Ford said Northrup was a devoted father who was deeply entrenched in his kids' activities and sports, who also volunteered with the Special Olympics. He was alsoinvolved in scouts and lacrosse.

"Jeff was one of the best amongst us, and a credit to the duty of policing," Ford said.

Tory similarly offered his condolences, and praised Northrup for his years of hard work.

"This is a family of character, of strength, of deep commitment to public service," the mayor said.

Police Services Board Chair JimHart called Northrup a "giant in stature and heart" who was known for his wisdom, wit, and kind character.

"He tragically gave his life doing what he truly and sincerely loved doing: serving and protecting his community," Hart said.