British Columbia

'I love you, son': Braxton Leask, victim of Lund shooting, remembered

Father, brother issue statements after Leask was killed in a tragic shooting Saturday,

Braxton Leask was turning 21 and was starting a career as a pipe fitter.

Braxton Leask would have turned 21 on June 24. (Leask Family)

Calum Leask looks out across Mowat Bay in Powell River as tears stream down his face.

It's where — growing up — he used to swim with his older brother, Braxton.

Braxton Leask was found dead inside a home in Lund Saturday after a targeted shooting.

"Braxton Rodney Richard Leask was my big brother," said Calum Leask, as he read out a written statement on the beach.

"[He's] the guy who taught me to ride a bike, who taught me how to make friends, how to talk to girls, how to shave, how to be a man... and carry the Leask name proudly."​

Calum Leask, right, said his older brother Braxton was one of the "most influential men in his life." (Jon Hernandez/CBC)

Inseparable

Braxton Leask was one of three men attacked inside a home in Lund. His family says Leask's best friend was also killed in the attack.

Ariana Sian, who was to be Leask's sister-in-law, says the two were inseparable.

"They [Leask and his best friend] first met as pre-teens and bonded over their mutual adoration of soccer," she said as she read a written statement. "Their friendship became the most tight-knit form of camaraderie."

Braxton Leask was described as a friendly young man who could bring people together, and was known for his positive attitude and outlook on life. (Leask family)

Sian says the pair travelled the world together, from the tropics to Barcelona, all before ending up in Lund this past summer.

Their sudden deaths have come as a shock to Lund and the Powell River region.

Jason Foulds, 19, has been charged with two counts of murder following the shooting, as well one count of attempted murder over a third victim.

'I love you, son'

Braxton's father, Roddy Leask, said his son Braxton was known for his upbeat personality, joyful attitude, and ability to make people laugh.

"Braxton loved everybody. The most genuine and caring kid around," said Roddy Leask in a statement.

Roddy Leask, centre, said his son Braxton "was the most genuine and caring kid around." (Jon Hernandez/CBC)

"He lost his eye when he was five years old, and that never slowed him down. He excelled at anything he did that he set his mind to."

"He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend," said Leask.

Braxton would have been 21 on Saturday, and was starting a career as a pipe fitter.

"I love you so much, son. You'll be missed by thousands. Never forgotten."