Pain, togetherness and shock. These words could well describe what the crowd felt when gathering at a candle light vigil for Timothy Pior on Sunday night. The vigil took place at Gateway Community Church in Hammond. Timothy had passed away earlier that day due complications of influenza.
Only age 15, a freshman at Warrenton High School, his passing was sudden and has deeply touched the community. He was a well liked young man, a good friend to many and a rising talent in acting. He became familiar to many in his roles in Beauty in the Beast with PAPA (Peninsula Association of Performing Artists) last summer, and acting a main role in the Fiddler on the Roof -musical, performed by WHS drama class in January.
The candle light vigil was organized in a very short notice and information was shared via social media. Regardless of the short notice, at least 200 people filled the church sanctuary. The church wanted to open the doors to community to have safe place to grieve. Everyone was shaken by the unexpected news and in disbelief of losing someone young for a common illness.
Many of the people attending the vigil were Timothy’s friends and fellow high school students. There was an unspoken need to be together, comforting each other with the painful loss. Silence and occasional weeping filled the room, and heaviness of hearts was tangible.
After lighting up the candles the crowd moved outside to the yard, and tried to keep the little flames lit out in the breezy air. Some people spoke comforting words, or remembered of Timothy and his playful personality. Some people sang a hymn Amazing Grace.
Timothy Pior touched so many lives with his outgoing and energic personality. He will be greatly missed.
His memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 17 at 3PM at WHS gymnasium. Afterwards there will be a potluck reception at Calvary Assembly of God church in Warrenton.
GoFund page has been set up to Support the Pior family. Please visit this link to find more information. All funds raised will be donated to things that Timothy loved doing, such as high school sports, band and choir and PAPA’s Play House. The Pior family wants to honor their son’s memory in this way.
