Vigil planned in memory of Perth teen one year after his death
The community of Perth will gather later this month to honour the life of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel, whose death in 2024 was deeply felt by residents of the town and surrounding area.
A public vigil will be held Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at Darou Farm, hosted by Perth & District Community Partners. The event will include remarks from community leaders, live music, a poetry reading, and the dedication of a memorial bench in Stanzel’s honour by Mayor Judy Brown.
“This gathering is about more than remembrance—it’s a show of support for the Stanzel family and a testament to the strength and compassion of our town,” said Cathy McNally, the Town of Perth’s Director of Community Services. “Together, we reflect on the past and look ahead with hope.”
Attendees will be invited to take part in a collective moment of reflection by writing down their wishes for the community’s future before joining in a symbolic ringing of the bells. Counsellors will be available on site to provide support, and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
Stanzel was found deceased on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, near North Street North and Sherbrooke Street West in Perth. A 16-year-old was later charged with murder in connection with his death. The accused cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Following his death, tributes poured in for the Perth District Collegiate Institute student, remembered as kind, hardworking and full of life.
“He was my cousin. My best friend. They took him from me,” wrote his cousin Emily Coutts in a Facebook post shortly after his death. “He saved my life so many times. Nobody can mend this broken heart of mine. I have felt no greater pain than the moment I found out his heart stopped beating, and mine carried on.”
Chris and Cheryl Wood, owners of The Butcher’s Edge in Perth and Stanzel’s grandparents, shared a photo of him proudly holding up a fish. “Bullying has to stop,” they wrote. “This should not have happened.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched at the time raised more than $10,500 to support the Stanzel family. Organizer Cory Wilson described Reese as “a son, brother, grandson, nephew, co-worker and friend to many,” adding that “Reese had a heart of gold and wouldn’t think twice in helping anyone around him.”
Wilson said the teen loved hunting, fishing, and greeting customers while working at The Butcher’s Edge. “Reese’s dream after high school was to become a police officer and help people,” he wrote.
The Oct. 26 vigil aims to honour that spirit of kindness and community. Full program details are available at Engage.Perth.ca/Community-Support.