'His love and generosity held his family together.' Hamilton teen remembered after fatal stabbing
Mark Bistoyong, 16, died following an 'unprovoked attack' at a family gathering on July 2, police say
Mark Bistoyong was "bright, mature... and a talented athlete," having just completed Grade 11 with honours, when he was killed in what Hamilton police call an "unprovoked attack."
The 16-year-old was playing basketball with his cousin Laureano Bistoyong, 22, and other family members at a nearby park on Sunday evening, police said in an email Friday.
"The game became aggressive with the group ultimately deciding to end play," said police.
The group headed back to Laureano's family home near Upper Gage Avenue and Rymal Road, where the stabbing took place, police said.
Officers were called to the home around 10 p.m. and transferred Bistoyong to hospital, where he died.
Laureano has been charged with first-degree murder.
Victim was a 'remarkable young soul'
Bistoyong was "an endless source of pride and joy to his parents and one of immense strength and guidance" to his three brothers, said his obituary Thursday.
"His love and generosity held his family together."
Bistoyong was a dependable friend, with a playful personality and charm that "touched everyone he met," the obituary said.
He was going into Grade 12 at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Secondary School, where he played on the football and wrestling teams, said the obituary. He also played for the Chedoke Minor Hockey League when he was younger and had practiced jui jitsu and muay thai.
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mark Bistoyong. Our hearts go out to Mark's family, friends, teammates and the STM community. Mark was a bright young man who will be forever loved & sorely missed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForeverAKnight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForeverAKnight</a> <a href="https://t.co/3nS8q4l2KP">pic.twitter.com/3nS8q4l2KP</a>
—@STM_FootballHe was to spend his summer working as a lifeguard at Wild Waterworks, according to his obituary.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money in his honour. The funds will go to the McMaster Children's Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Bistoyong was cared for when he was first born, the page said.
Some of the money raised will go toward establishing a bursary to support a young person "in pursuit of personal and academic growth," the page also said.
The fundraising page describes Bistoyong as a "remarkable young soul who left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate enough to known him."
A visitation for Bistoyong will take place this Saturday and Sunday in Hamilton.
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