Though the circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery, the family and friends of Josh Elliott will gather Friday (June 2) to celebrate his life.
A visitation service for the 21-year-old Cannington resident will be held at the M.W. Becker Funeral Home in Keswick from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a funeral service. His family are asking those planning to attend to make a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation in his honour.
Those who knew him are remembering Elliott for his kind heart, outgoing nature and sense of humour.
“He was always there for his friends and he really was the definition of a true friend…He was a good person and everyone whose life he was a part of – whether it was six months ago or six years ago – will miss him dearly,” said longtime Jenn Coffill.
“He was a well-mannered, caring person,” added Myra Kiezebrink.
“He would talk to anyone and was well liked by many.”
Darcie Neville is among the many in the community mourning Elliott’s death.
“He was such a loving and caring person. He would give anyone the shirt off of his back. You could tell he was raised very well. He was always respectful and well mannered. And so great with my kids,” she said.
“For example a few weeks ago my son was saving up for a skateboard and Josh gave him $5 to put towards it. Any time we would see him at the store he always bought him Smarties. He was such a great friend. We will never forget him.”
Another friend, Melissa Mitchell, co-ordinated an online fundraising campaign to help cover Elliott’s funeral expenses. As of Wednesday (May 31) night, the campaign – which is located at https://www.gofundme.com/rest-in-peace-josh-elliott – had raised more than $1,600 in just two days.
“Taken way too young, Josh Elliott was a kind-hearted, loyal friend who always knew how to make people happy and have a good time. Josh and his contagious smile will be missed by many,” reads the online post.
“With the support of everyone who knew and loved Josh, we can throw a celebration of life party that we all know he would want. All the remaining funds will be directly donated to relatives to help with funeral costs and other expenses.”
Elliott was killed Friday (May 26) following an incident in the area of Mara Road and Dundas Street in Beaverton.
Officers were called to a “disturbance among several men” in the village around 10:30 p.m. Though the first account from the DRPS included reference to an establishment on Osborne Street, it was later revised to the broader area of downtown.
According to police, Elliott was found collapsed on Dundas Street. He was rushed to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Orillia but succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the incident, police say information was received about a second male suffering from a stab wound. Officers in the area were able to locate a 35-year-old male who sustained non-life threatening injuries. Police have offered no update on his condition.
Homicide investigators, as well as forensic officers, remained at the scene through much of the weekend.
The DRPS formally established a command post in the village on Monday (May 29), speaking with a number of residents.
Though there have been several rumours circulating that arrests have been made, that fact has not been confirmed by the DRPS and the investigation continues.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Det. Dennis (ext. 5402) or Det. Mamers (ext. 5247) at 1-888-579-1520. Anonymous information can be sent to Crime Stoppers by visiting www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Visit http://bit.ly/2sfHze7 to view a tribute video in honour of Elliott’s life.
