Household of Membership Q capturing sufferer celebrates his life by on the lookout for causes to smile

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Practically a month after the capturing at Membership Q that left 5 individuals useless, the household of one of many victims stated they determined to cease crying, and search for one thing to smile about.

22-year-old Raymond Inexperienced Vance was one in every of 5 individuals killed that evening. His household held a remembrance ceremony for the group two weeks after the capturing. Vance’s grandfather, Ron Bell, tells 11 Information the help the household has acquired since that tragic evening has been heartwarming.

“It’s been overwhelming, the help was so nice,” Bell stated. “Folks got here out to have fun him and we couldn’t be extra completely happy about that.”

On Saturday, household and pals met at Atrevida Beer Firm to honor the lifetime of Raymond. Folks got here from throughout, together with California and Mexico. One man who helped manage this occasion, Efren Ramirez, determined to prepare dinner for the occasion.

“What higher option to deliver everybody nearer than with some meals and simply being right here, hanging out,” Ramirez stated.

He introduced his grill and an arsenal of meals from Mexico. His genuine Tia Juana tacos, paired with drinks supplied by Atrevida, turned the centerpiece of an occasion Raymond’s household stated was all about laughter and pleasure.

“It’s been unhappy for some time, we’re on the lookout for one thing to smile about,” Bell stated, “and everytime you mixed individuals and meals, you may normally get a brighter environment.”

It was the right option to honor Raymond, who Ramirez stated was all the time smiling.

“I by no means noticed that child with no smile on his face,” Ramirez laughed as he cooked.

He informed 11 Information that he, himself, had skilled hardship. However regardless of that, he discovered from Raymond how to have a look at the brilliant aspect of life.

“Now, I attempt to be completely happy on a regular basis, despite the fact that I’ve been going via my very own stuff with shedding my very own daughter this previous yr,” Ramirez stated, “simply excited about him and the way completely happy he was on a regular basis, it simply provides me a brand new breath of recent air, begin over once more and you already know what, life is sweet, we will’t spend it depressed on a regular basis.”

Ron Bell stated Raymond was a spark who lit up any room he walked into. It was that spark he stated his household hoped to seize.

Among the many music and laughter, Raymond’s mom was promoting t-shirts with messages of hope and love on them. On one shirt was a message written by Bell on the day they buried Raymond.

“Please train your kids tolerance and acceptance, train them to like and welcome, train them to stay and let stay.”

Click here for extra on the Membership Q tragedy.

The sufferer have been recognized via household, pals and police as:

– Daniel Aston

– Derrick Rump

– Kelly Loving

– Ashley Paugh

– Raymond Green

CLICK HERE to donate to a verified fundraiser web page to assist all of the victims impacted.

CLICK HERE for the GoFundMe “Central Hub” for donation data.

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