Thousands were on hand to remember the lives of two volunteer firefighters who died while battling a blaze in Listowel.
30 year old Ray Walter of Listowel and 56 year old Ken Rea of Atwood were killed at the Dollar Stop a week ago Thursday, as flames caused the building to cave in.
Rea’s daughter spoke at the funeral service on Thursday at the Listowel Memorial Arena.
She says it’s sad he left them so unexpectedly, but they know he died doing what he loved, and the family is overwhelmed with respect and honour for him.
Rea was also remembered as someone who was the calm in the chaos.
Mourners say he was always first to the hall — and loved his job so much he bought the house next to the fire hall.
Premier Dalton McGuinty was also on hand to give words of encouragement, and remember the two firefighters as heroes.
McGuinty says the memory of Ken and Ray’s courage will give the community the courage to carry on.
