Stephen Wack will leave a legacy of being someone who works hard and never gives up.
“The tenacity that Stephen displayed throughout his life was simply incredible,” his younger brother, Justin Wack, said.
Those who spoke at Tuesday's Celebration of Life said Wack and his younger brother had a special bond. They commented on Stephen's pride for Justin.
Justin said his brother was humble, often putting others first. Justin played Junior Blind Olympics, a sporting event for blind children. Justin was the first Canadian to play, and Wack helped him navigate the sports area and helped coordinate events.
Wack was one of 16 players who died in the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6.
As his younger brother and two friends paid tribute to Wack, they painted a picture of a bright young man who was rarely upset and was able to see the extraordinary in the mundane.
Wack was known for his compassion, honesty and adventurous spirit. He had a strong faith in God and frequently volunteered.
Close family friend Peter Gill presented the eulogy on Wack. He remembers the young man as loving towards his family, ambitious, intelligent, gentle in nature with a contagious smile.
“Family is what Stephen valued most, more than anything,” Gill said.
“I recall times when I would be tying up Stephen's skates in the dressing room before hockey and Justin would be off entertaining the other players, as he usually did. I would catch glances of Stephen looking over towards Justin, beaming with pride.”
Stephen was also known for his videography, often shooting footage of his day-to-day life, at his family’s cabin at Nakamun Lake or of his travels across the world.
Close friend Matteo Gennaro said Wack lived life to the fullest, able to appreciate the little things in life. Moving forward, Gennaro said he plans on taking those life lessons with him.
“He had endless positive traits: generosity, humility, patience, compassion and innocence,” he said. “I never understood how he was able to have such a positive outlook on life every single day.”
