Family, friends remember charismatic young musician

Calgarians gathered at a northeast church Tuesday to remember a great big brother, son, musician and artist.

Zackariah Rathwell, a promising musician with his own band, was stabbed to death along with four others last week at a party celebrating the end of classes.

The 21-year-old is the fourth victim to be laid to rest this week.

Pastor Warren Wiebe addressed mourners at the Centre Street Church.

“There is no pain like the pain of a parent, a brother, the pain of a family,” he said. “Although we can’t comprehend, we care. Behind you is an army of people, and the city. I speak for a million voices. We care.”

Rathwell’s father, Bruce walked onto the stage in a kilt, and a scout uniform.

Off to the side were Zack’s guitars, hockey skates, a rugby uniform and a painting.

He told mourners, Zack was the poster child for the kind of son every parent wants.

Rathwell told stories of a once 10 pound baby boy, and the first time he saw his son’s band, Zackariah and the Prophets, play at the Palomino.

“I had to bring to his attention in an inquisitive fashion, ‘Why are you the last act? You know it’s past my bedtime.’ He said, ‘Dad, we’re the headliner. We’re it. The rest of that show is to support us,” Rathwell explained. “I was proud to see this young man stand tall with his peers, and share time with each of every one of them that was there.”

Zack’s brother, Mason, also spoke, saying though they fought, he always wanted to be just like his brother.

His mother, Ronda Lee joined them on stage, recalling a nickname she’d given Zack when he was younger, “Zoo Boy”.

“This past week has been the hardest of my life,” she said, tearfully.

A final memorial service for the fifth Brentwood stabbing victim, Lawrence Hong, will be held Wednesday afternoon.