In Memory of Riker

Laurel Smyk is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

EDIT: some confusion over the multiple pages. I was given permission. These proceeds will go directly to mom. The two other GoFundMe pages exist to support funeral costs, and will be combined and split between households (mom/dad), link is also at bottom of this page. We have been in touch with Krystal and Joe. Thank you.

No words can express the absolute tragedy of losing Riker, my heart aches for all of his loved ones.

My name is Laurel Smyk and I am a F. I. Kindergarten teacher. Sadly, Tuesday morning, my beautiful teaching partner lost her 10-year-old son in a tragic accident.

I’m at a loss. I cannot begin to understand the grief and immense sadness his mother (partner Zach) and father (partner Chantal) are experiencing as well as his family and friends.

Riker was a bright 10-year-old and wise beyond his years. He had such genuine awe and wonder for the world around him. He always spoke and acted out of kindness for others. Riker was extremely talented. He could steal the show at school performances, was attending skateboarding lessons and was a budding artist. Like his mom, Riker had a creative eye. He loved going to collect art supplies with her and making his visions come to life through sketches and paintings. Riker was a fierce friend and will be leaving many peers behind at his school, as well as throughout the rest of the community of Thunder Bay.

Just like Riker, his mother is a bright light. Children gravitate towards her. She has endless positivity and kindness for her students and everyone she interacts with. It has been inspiring to work alongside her this school year and to see how she has encouraged, supported, and loved our students as her own. She has touched many young lives.

All funds raised through this GoFundMe page will be given to mom to support her costs while off work (food, rent, loss of pay, etc.).

Donations may also be made to ProKids. Their programs promote confidence, skill building and provide programming to support youths and local families.

https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/donate.aspx