Some tear jerking stories from the memorial today. Give your loved ones an extra hug today.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2010/11/17/16185321.html
Any of the thousands in the stands at Scotiabank Place Wednesday morning who didn't know Daron Richardson before, certainly have an intimate picture of her now.
For nearly two hours, devastated teachers and friends struggled through eulogies and emotional anecdotes about the 14-year-old Ottawa girl who took her own life Friday night.
She was the daughter of Senators assistant coach and former long-time NHL defenceman Luke Richardson and his wife Stephanie.
Daron's godfather Michael Dagenais painted a picture of a girl who lived life to the fullest and was loved by everyone who knew her. Someone who may have taken their own life, but through organ donation, had saved four other lives by Sunday.
He spoke about the dynamic within the family -- Luke, Stephanie and eldest daughter Morgan -- right up to the last moment.
Dagenais said as her sister lay dying at CHEO, Morgan called for someone to bring her iPod. She then fired it up and instead of putting the headphones in her own ears, put them in Daron's, "So she could hear the music instead of the beeping machines."
Dagenais was often a stand-in father for Luke -- who was often occupied as a professional hockey player. He said one of the proudest moments of his life was taking Daron to a father-daughter dance.
"She was a vision of beauty and grace," he said.
Memorial emcee Garry Galley called the Richardsons "an inspiration to us all" for being so open about how their daughter died.
Many of the mourners were in tears for nearly a half-hour as friend after friend took the microphone to painfully recount what they will miss most about the successful, athletic and popular young woman.
"I wish I could have been with you when you really needed someone," said one of the girls who made up the so-called inseparable group of 7.
Her entire bantam girls hockey team also went on the stage, with several members giving statements while the others stood together. They rolled up their pant-legs to show they'd worn their socks high in tribute to the style popular with their teammate.
Daron's stature at Ashbury College was another memorable part of the service, recounted by faculty, who still walk past her art that hangs in the hallways.
She was a good student as well as creative and artistic. Her drama teacher struggled and broke down.
"She was an exceptional human being in every sense," said Greg Simpson, turning to look at the casket. "You are truly loved."
At least 100 NHLers, former NHLers and team reps had planned to attend, including former teammates such as Paul Coffey, Doug Gilmour, Ron Hextall and Craig MacTavish. The ceremony was scheduled for about an hour, but lasted almost two full hours.
Among them were Senators GM Bryan Murray, who like Luke is from the Pontiac town of Shawville.
No family members will make public statements today, the Senators said.
Members of the Senators team headed for the airport immediately after the memorial to attend their game tonight in Carolina.
The Richardson family has asked for in memoriam donations to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health Youth Program.
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