Xavier Pelletier’s uncle, Trevor Halsted, will remember him for his wicked sense of humour.

Grandmother Nora Halsted loved the way he laughed out of the side of his mouth and spent all of his camp allowance on candy.

article continues below

His classmates described an attentive friend, a mentor, a bullish rugby player and a goofball who wore funny shoes.

“Today is a difficult day,” said officiating minister Pastor Andy Moore during the Saanich teen’s funeral on Saturday. “A life has been cut short.”

On June 16, one week after Xavier’s 16th birthday, he clipped another cyclist and fell into the path of an oncoming vehicle near Arlington, Wash., according to police.

The Grade 10 student was cycling in the two-day, 200-kilometre Ride to Conquer Cancer with his mother, Annette Halsted, and his uncle Trevor, a brain cancer survivor.

After 40 minutes of paramedic treatment, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The past week has been extremely difficult for Xavier’s family, his uncle Nigel Halsted said after the service. But everyone is faring well, given the circumstances.

“Everyone is coming to terms, I think, slowly, with the realization of what’s happened,” he said. “I think we take comfort in the fact that the community has supported us so strongly.”

He called Annette a “pillar of strength” who has kept herself busy in a co-ordination role, including gathering all of Xavier’s favourite foods — Doritos, watermelon and Subway sandwiches — for a post-service memorial tea.

But while Xavier’s funeral marked a loss, the general tone was one of gratitude, as those who loved him celebrated his life.

“Xavier was an exceptional young man in every way possible,” said his grandfather, Arthur Halsted. “I’ve never met anyone like Xavier because he never, ever, ever said a negative thing about anyone. He was the personification of kindness, and generosity was his second name.”

His father, Richard Pelletier, who travelled from his home in Quebec City when he heard the news, said he was grateful that the last three words he said to his son were “I love you.”

Hundreds attended the service at Glad Tidings Church. The crowd was dominated by classmates and dotted with the yellow-and-black jerseys of those who cycled in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

“Xavier, in his short life, was able to touch so many people,” Nigel said. “It really made me proud to be his uncle.”

By Saturday afternoon, donations to B.C. cancer research in Xavier’s name through the Ride to Conquer Cancer website had risen to $7,140.

The B.C. Cancer Foundation also announced it was renaming its high school internship program in Xavier’s honour. The program gives high school students summer placements in cancer-research labs.

Nigel said the family plans to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer next year, with Annette planning to ride Xavier’s bike.

“We’re going to take some time, because it’s been a very hectic week,” Nigel said.. But we must look forward.”

asmart@timescolonist.com