Loren Leslie was a quiet girl, who will be remembered as being a loving, unique individual.
More than 400 people gathered in the Stellaquo Community Hall in Fraser Lake Saturday afternoon mourned the loss of Loren, a 15-year-old a murder victim whose body was found on a logging road north of Vanderhoof.
Photos of Loren laughing, swimming, playing karate and acting in the school play flashed on a screen at the front of a room as people gathered around the sides and back of the room, all the seats taken.
The coffin was led in by pallbearers, followed by grieving family members, as Train's 'Hey, Soul Sister' played over the speakers.
Loren's brother, Ricky Lee-Leslie, said he remembers when Loren has happy, she was really happy and always smiling. Yet, he said it wasn't often she was happy.
"She never really fit in, and was different than everyone else. She didn't belong here in this world, she's in a better place now," Ricky said.
He said he's been putting off really thinking about what happened, that he hasn't let it become real yet.
"I'm just trying to be there for everyone else. It hurts more when I see how hurt everyone else is," he said. Ricky said his step-father (Loren's father) has been a rock during these last few days, and is someone he looks up to for strength.
Loren's close friends Charity Funk and Denim gave the eulogy. Denim said Loren was a flower among weeds, and was not afraid to be different. He said she was a brave, and caring person.
"Loren was an inspiration to those touched by her and to those who sought to touch her."
Charity said she and Loren were inseparable and spent all their time together. They met during social studies class in grade 8, and it was a form of love at first sight.
She said they would sit around a table and talk about their dreams and make plans for the future -- even though they knew not all were realistic.
"I know she's in a better place. Now that she's free, all her adventures are just beginning," said Charity.
Throughout the service, Loren was described as a fabulous kid who loved everyone, a girl who was thoughtful and compassionate -- the kind of friend who'd walk across town at 4 a.m. to be there for a friend in need.
Bailey Weber attended the service, though she said she was closer to Ricky than Loren. When Bailey was five, her baby sitter would take her to Loren's grandmother's house and they would play together.
"I never got to get to know her after that really. She was really quiet and very different than anyone else. Her hairstyle was completely different everyday. She was definitely her own person," said Bailey.
Loren and Charity liked to write stories. Loren wrote about why she was shy, a piece that was read during her memorial.
"I don't need to hear my voice to know I'm alive. I feel and breathe, thus I know I'm around. Another reason is, I don't need to monopolize conversations to get attention, or interrupt people all the time to be the centre of attention -- I know who I am, what I need and how to get it. I don't need to hurt others to build myself up."
