TRIBUTE TO INNOCENCE
Seven-year-old remembered: `He was just so filled with love'
A young boy lays flowers at a roadside memorial during Friday's candlelight vigil for Kuothhorko (Kuzi) James, the seven-year-old boy who was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run crash on Jefferson Boulevard. Police continue to investigate.
Kuothhorko (Kuzi) James was a bright-eyed, energetic boy who loved to run, paint and play.
But for those who attended a vigil in his honour on Friday night, the seven-year-old child's sudden death in a hit-and-run incident last weekend instils a sombre perspective.
“I think that there's a lesson here,” Brandon Meanney, a neighbour of the boy's family, said in a speech at the gathering.
“Make time for your loved ones, because in a blink of an eye everything is different. And you don't get that time back.”
More than 100 people attended the event at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Haig Avenue, where the fatal collision occurred on the night of Nov. 15.
Candles, toys, balloons and other offerings were placed on a corner in tribute to Kuzi.
Kerri Bulmer, an elementary school teacher, recalled a sweet-natured, smiling student with a creative streak.
“He was just so filled with love,” said Bulmer, who taught Kuzi when he was in kindergarten at William G. Davis Public School.
Bulmer said the boy initially had challenges communicating, as he was autistic and came from an immigrant family.
But she said he thrived with the help of early childhood educators, and the company of his fellow students.
“It didn't hold him back at all. He was happy all the time,” Bulmer said. “He could read in kindergarten. He knew all his ABCS.
“His mother would cry when she would see us because she was so appreciative. He loved coming to school.”
Bulmer had a special contribution to the tribute items: a painting that Kuzi made for her two years ago.
He would have celebrated his eighth birthday next week.
Ward 8 Coun. Gary Kaschak — who lives near where the young boy was struck by a vehicle — recalled seeing the child playing in the neighbourhood with his siblings.
“It's certainly a shock,” Kaschak said about the community's loss. “He was a bubbly young fella. He'd come up to my dog sometimes and want to pet him. Then laugh and run away.
“It's just a sad situation. But it's nice to see so many people out here, showing support.”
Along with Kaschak, the Friday night vigil drew other community leaders, including Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Windsor-tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk, and Ward 7 Coun. Jeewen Gill.
Murray Steacy, a pastor with New Beginning Christian Centre in Lasalle, recited a poem and led the gathering in prayer.
Arrangements for the child have been made with Families First funeral home.
A funeral service is being held Saturday at noon at Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5350 Haig Ave.
Reservations are required to attend the service.
Call 519-945-2388 or visit www. windsorsda.ca for more information.
The service will also be broadcast live on the Youtube channel of Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Interment will follow at Windsor Memorial Gardens.