Saxon Halfyard was just 16 when a fatal car accident occurred on Crowchild Trail S.W, between 50th Avenue and Flanders Avenue S.W in the early morning of March 26.
Saxon was an outdoor enthusiast; he loved hiking and fishing. Jason Halfyard, Saxon’s father remembers him for his love of being on the water, especially for having a love for fishing.
“The biggest smile he had was when he got a fish on his rod,” said Halfyard.
He described his son as a guy who wore his heart on his sleeve, being full of light, love and endless laughter.
Saxon also had a close connection with his friends, always making sure that everyone was included in a group.
“His greatest spark was his friends. They were a tight-knit crew who shared his endless laughter, his wild ideas and the fearless spirit he was,” said Halfyard.
“So, they were really his second family.”
Saxon had been living with Halfyard full-time for the last five years. Through that time, Halfyard noticed how much he has touched those around him.
“He always took the time to make sure everybody’s included, feeling part of the group and feeling loved and feeling like they were part of anything that he was associated with,” said Halfyard.
Even those who did not know Saxon well considered him as a real friend.
Halfyard has recieved letters from friends, family and the community emphasizing all that Saxon has done to touch the lives of everyone around him, even those he was not close with.
Love and support from the community
One of the GofundMe organizers that have helped to support Jason Halfyard and his family, Rhonda Dupuis, is a co-worker of Jason Halfyard. Dupuis has been running the GofundMe alongside Campbell Berry to support Jason, Saxon’s stepmother Kelty, little sister Lyric, stepsister Isla and stepbrother Charlie.
“I did not expect it to be as consuming as it is, for many reasons, you need to keep sort of on top of it,” said Dupuis
“You need to be actively promoting it.”
So far, the GofundMe has been able to raise over $71, 000, with a $100,000 goal with 592 donations.
With the help of family, friends and the community, Jason has been able to be provided with external support during such a tragic time.
As the GofundMe continues to receive donations, people in the community have rallied together to provide support.
“We just had really cool people who you can tell are actively working with their circles, to try to promote this,” said Dupuis.
“I am personally, deeply grateful.”
Jason’s coworkers have also lent a helping hand to Jason and his family during this tragedy by providing additional support with the GofundMe.
“We have just like, such amazing culture and love for one another, and we really needed something to channel our energy into,” said Dupuis.
Both organizers’ Dupuis and Berry stay in contact with Jason to ensure he feels supported.
“Jason and Kelty are just, they’re amazed by it [GofundMe]. We speak to them basically, multiple times a day,” said Dupuis.
A celebration of life for Saxon Halfyard will take place on April 11 at Bethany Chapel.
To donate to the GofundMe and support Saxon’s family during this time, click here
