School, community mourn loss of student leader

Students and staff at Thunder Bays Dennis Franklin Cromarty School fought back tears as they shared music and memories of Jimmy Monias at a special service in the school gym Thursday night.

The 21-year-old was remembered as apeer leader, an educational role model and a loving father to his baby girl. Monias graduated from DFC last year and was attending Confederation College this fall. He died on Sunday after being assaulted at a home in Thunder Bay.

Kyle Rae, 22, has been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death.

'Stuff like this really hurts'

According to CBC reporter Jody Porter, who attended the memorial, it was very jarring to see a coffin laid out in a school gym, where one typically sees students, full of energy, playing sports.

She said staff at the school felt it was important for students to get together to share their grief and offer support to Monias parents who had flown in from their home in Sandy Lake, as well as his younger brother, who is currently attending DFC.

The deputy chief of Sandy Lake First Nation said Monias was an educational role model.

"His marks were high and other students looked up to him," Bart Meekis said.

"It hurts stuff like this really hurts. I cannot explain in earthly terms, in our language, how much it hurts."

Meekis encouraged students at the memorial to continue their education, despite the tragedy.

'Do it for Jimmy'

Both Jimmy's mom, Jeannie, and dad, Jeff, spoke at length during the service. They choked back tears as they told students not to let the tragedy get in the way of completing their school year.

Monias mother told students, "I don't want your parents to see you like I'm seeing Jimmy now."

She said she thought about pulling her younger son out of school because she was so scared to let him go after losing Jimmy but she says she's since changed her mind.

During his talk, Monias father implored: "Students don't stop from here. Just keep going. You're not far from graduating. You came this far, go all the way. Do it for Jimmy."

Monias mother added she hopes to be back in the school gym for her younger sons graduation.