500 people gather to remember rugby player Rowan Stringer
Posted May 18, 2013 05:12:13 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ottawa, ON — About 500 people gathered at the Metropolitan Bible Church on Saturday to mourn 17-year-old Rowan Stringer, who died following a tragic accident on the rugby pitch.
Stringer was taken off life support on May 12 after suffering a head injury while playing in a rugby match on May 8; she later died.
The stage at the church was lit up in purple, which was Rowan’s favourite colour, and many people donned purple shirts in her memory.
Dozens of friends took to the stage to remember their fallen friend, many saying her sense of humour and her unique laugh could light up a room.
Rowan’s parents Gord and Kathleen Stringer said they “are blessed by the support” they have received from the entire community and read a poem titled “Death is nothing at all” by Henry Scott Holland.
Stringer’s older sister Cassie also delivered a poem she wrote for Rowan, saying she was a shining light in her life as well as a “daughter, sister and a special person.”
Cassie said she hopes others can follow in Rowan’s footsteps and live “not to judge others, but to give love to our sisters and brothers.”
Patrick Hamilton, Rowan’s uncle, led the service along with pastor Daniel Winter.
Winter said others should try to help their fellow man like Rowan did, and he himself signed an organ donor card after being so touched by her death.
