A celebration of life is planned for the hockey-loving local boy
Mavrik Turnbull, a beloved and inspiring local boy, has died after a battle with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer.
In a Facebook post, the Turnbull family said Turnbull died on the night of Monday, July 6, with both his mother and father by his side.
“Mavrik took his last breath last night,” the post reads, “at Canuck Place with Derek and me beside him. All day he had lots of snuggles with family. We spent some time together as a family before he left for the funeral home.”
Mavrik was moved to the Canuck Place Hospice Centre in Vancouver on June 11 following a decline in his condition after receiving care in Boston. His stay at the centre during his final weeks included visits from hockey players and time with family.
The family said plans have started for a celebration of life, which will be held in Prince George.
They said they hope to host the celebration at one of Prince George’s hockey rinks to honour the game Mavrik loved.
The Vancouver Giants and the Prince George Cougars also expressed condolences to the family in Facebook posts.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our friend and teammate, Mavrik Turnbull,” the Prince George Cougars said in the post. “Whether he was on the ice with the team during practice, hanging out on the bench with the players in warm-up, or playing mini-sticks with the guys, Mav was a beloved part of the Cougars family. His positive spirit, infectious smile, and love for the game of hockey were an inspiration to us all. He touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Mavrik’s family will continue funds through a page to help cover funeral costs and travel expenses.
Any remaining funds will be used to help build Mavrik’s Legacy Foundation.
The foundation will help support other oncology families, address medical needs for children in Prince George and sponsor a hockey player each year.
“We have lots of ideas and feel the need in the North and Prince George specifically for oncology care and better supports and services,” the post reads. “As well as celebrating and honouring Mavrik for years to come.”
The family is also asking those interested to submit photos for Mavrik’s memory book.
