Family remembers 6-year-old killed by school bus

The family of6-year-old Thomas Wedmanis remembering him as "the happiest little boy in the universe."

Thomas, who was a grade two student atcoleMariePoburan, was killed Friday while walking to school with his father and older brother.

Thomas' fatherJeffWedmansaid Thomas ran ahead to wait at the corner of Sir Winston Churchill Avenue and Woodlands Road, where a school bus was about to turn the corner.

Wedmansaid it looked like the bus would stop, so Thomas stepped onto the road.But instead, the bus continued on andhitThomas.

His father says hefell under the tires and died instantly.

Family releases two statements

The family released two statements Saturday, thanking people for their support.

The first message was posted Saturday morning on the Community of St. Albert Facebook page.

My son was the happiest little boy in the universe,"the statement, signed "Sheri, Jeff, Ethan and Isaac," reads.

"[Thomas] filled our lives with pure joy every day and I am devastated that his life has been cut short. As a family we will get over this tragedy and create a new normal but we never forget him. Hug your kids and families and keep us in your prayers.

In a second statement, sent to CBC News on Saturday afternoon,Jeff Wedman writes "Thomas was a happy-go-lucky boy who brightened the lives of everyone around him. His death has lefta hole in our hearts that is incomprehensible. Our lives will never be the sameand it will take love, faithand time to come to grips with not being able to hold him in our arms anymore."

Family asks for no memorial

The Wedman family is asking that no memorial be set up where Thomas died.

My son and many other students from the school walk by this corner on a daily basis, reads the family statement posted on Facebook.

I do not want these children or anyone else to have to relive this moment every day with the constant reminder. Rather, I want people to remember him for the lovable fun loving free spirited child that he was.

Instead, Thomas' father would like peoplewho wish to remember Thomas to donate to the Alberta organ donor program, "to help improve thisworthy undertaking that is able to salvage a small piece of goodness from terrible tragedy."

"Thomas heart valves were donated to the Alberta organ donor program where they will improve thelives of two other needy children. It is hoped that the love and happiness he always had in his heart willfollow to the recipients," Jeff Wedman writes.

Thomas would have turned seven on October 14.