By Win Wachsmann. Hundreds of people assembled in Jubilee Park in downtown Abbotsford on Saturday June 14, 2014 to celebrate the life of Dustin MacKenzie.
Dustin, who was 11, fell and hit his head almost two weeks ago while longboarding down Bevan Avenue. Sadly, he died two days later of the head injury.
His mom Joanne said that he normally wore a helmet and was part of a group of Abbotsford skateboarders and longboarders who always wore helmets. “Even at times when he had one of those stand up and push along scooters, he would wear his helmet. The other times he had with other skateboards, he wore his helmet. I don’t know what it was for some reason, just that one night, he didn’t wear a helmet.”
Dustin was a Grade 5 student at Dormick Park Elementary in Abbotsford
Jesse Wegenast and Ward Draper of the 5 and 2 Ministries, the church to which the Mackenzies belong, say there has been a real outpouring of generosity. Many people have stepped forward to assist the family.
A number of businesses and churches stepped forward to supply food and drinks for today’s memorial service.
Even in death, Dustin helped save six lives, when his family donated his organs.
All photos by Lisa Vandermolen
