Reese Stanzel (file photo)
One year after the murder of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel, the community of Perth came together Sunday afternoon to honour his memory with a heartfelt vigil.
The ceremony took place at Darou Farm, home of the newly opened Perth Dog Park, a project Reese had supported.
Family, friends, and residents gathered to share memories, music, and poetry before Mayor Judy Brown dedicated a memorial bench in his honour.
Reese’s brother, Ryan, spoke about the ongoing pain of losing his sibling but said seeing the community come together brought comfort. His grandmother, Cheryl Wood, described Reese as kind and animal-loving, while organizers called the gathering a reflection of Perth’s compassion and strength.
Reese was found dead on October 25, 2024, and a 16-year-old was later charged with first-degree murder. Counsellors were on-site to support attendees as the community remembered a boy described as having a “heart of gold.”
Photo: Friends of Perth Dog Park at Darou Fame (Facebook)
