His smile would ‘light up any room’; man killed in hit-and-run remembered at funeral in Waywayseecappo

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This article was published 21/10/2017 (2892 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WAYWAYSEECAPPO FIRST NATION — Cody Severight was remembered by family and friends as a kind, generous and funny young man with an infectious smile.

“Cody was well known … as outgoing and happy,” said Betty Ann Razor, who read the eulogy at the funeral on Friday afternoon.

She fondly recalled his “contagious laugh” and a “smile that would light up any room.”

Approximately 100 people gathered at the Waywayseecappo Community Band Hall to say farewell to Severight, who was killed in a hit-and-run last week in Winnipeg at the age of 23.

“It’s really sad, it’s really tragic, how we lost Cody,” Razor said. “And he didn’t deserve to leave the way that he did, but he sure made an impact on everyone’s lives.”

The profound loss could be felt in the room. Loved ones hugged each other and wiped away tears while a traditional drum circle played.

“There’s nothing in this world that can ever prepare us when we lose a loved one so suddenly,” said Deacon Conrad Plante. “We ask ourselves that question, ‘Why should this happen?’ and you know, it’s very hard for us to find the answer.”

Plante encouraged mourners to seek courage through the Creator to help them through this difficult time.

“I’m sure you have good memories of Cody. Those are the memories that you have to hang on to, those are the memories that have to stay in your heart and in your mind,” Plante said.

At the front of the room, the casket was draped with a blanket depicting wolves and trees. Candles were lit and a star blanket hung on the wall.

A special slideshow projected photos of a smiling young man playing basketball, posing for selfies with friends and laughing with loved ones.

A few of Severight’s favourite songs were played, including “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn, and “Without You” by David Guetta.

“Cody enjoyed country music because it was a reminder of his parents, and he also loved rap music as well,” Razor said. “Cody loved kids and often spoke about a career working with children … Cody loved his family and friends dearly, especially his nieces and his nephews.”

Severight was laid to rest beside his mother, Julia Hunter, who died in 2012 at age 41. She was found dead in a stairwell. Although no charges were laid in connection with Hunter’s death, she is listed among Manitoba’s missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Severight died in a hit-and-run on Oct. 10 when he was crossing Winnipeg’s Main Street near Sutherland Avenue at 8 p.m., in front of the Sutherland Hotel.

Justin Holz, 34, an off-duty Winnipeg police officer, is charged with impaired driving causing death and failing to stay at the scene of a collision.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is investigating the incident. On Friday, the IIU stated that two police officers have been put on leave after the Winnipeg Police Service notified them about “the irregular and improper conduct of two officers in the immediate aftermath” of the fatality.

“In addition to its original investigation, the IIU will now also gather evidence and investigate the conduct of the further two officers and determine whether charges should be laid against either or both of them.”

» jaustin@brandonsun.com, with files from Ian Froese

» Twitter: @jillianaustin