Dylan Manuel

May 5, 1991 ~ January 9, 2012 On May 5, 1991 God sent down to Earth an angel, to love, teach and inspire everyone whose life he would touch. On January 9, 2012, having completed his life's work, God gently lifted Dylan from the arms of his mother back into his own. Dylan was the first born of twins on May 5, 1991 (twin sister Karli) at what was then the Port Arthur General Hospital in Thunder Bay, ON. Dylan lived in Thunder Bay all of his life, the first half with his mother Veronica, twin sister Karli and big brother Jesse. Despite a fight that took Dylan's mother all the way to Queens Park to keep Dylan at home with his family, it was not in God's plan for Dylan's love and inspiration to be experienced by so few. In June, 2000 Dylan was able to share his many gifts with the staff and management of Options Northwest, who in turn became members of Dylan, Veronica, Gerald, Karli and Jesse's extended family, and like any family we didn't always see eye to eye but because of Dylan, always heart to heart. Throughout the years, Dylan met, received treatment and care by the Wonderful Staff of the George Jeffrey Children's Treatment Centre, Wesway, Easter Seals, CCAC, VON and Special Services at Home. Dylan attended the multi-needs program at Balsam Street School from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and in 2006 graduated on to attend the multi-needs class at Westgate High School, where he was enrolled right up to his passing and was to have graduated in June. There were so many people involved in Dylan's educational experience who truly went above and beyond for him, but that was Dylan's effect on people, he made everyone want to be their best. He taught as much as he learned and gave far more than he asked for in return. Despite his disabilities, Dylan unfailingly demonstrated that in him which was even greater, his abilities. His ability to love unconditionally, to smile that gorgeous smile and laugh even at times when life didn't seem fair, his ability to make those who knew him bilingual in a language that most don't realize exists and perhaps his greatest gift and ability of all, to soften hardened hearts and strengthen weakened souls. Dylan was greeted in Heaven by his grandfather, Maurice Lapointe, whom we know had the motor running waiting to take Dylan fishing, and by his aunty Rajanne Russow who will hold him in her arms and ensure his every need is met, even if it means bossing around the Big Guy! Left behind with gratitude for the gift that he was, is his mother Veronica Manuel-Bolduc; step-father Gerald Bolduc; twin sister Karli Manuel; big brother Jesse Manuel; aunts and uncles Monique Robinson (Jim), Bernadette Wappner (Joe) who were also Dylan's god-parents, Jack Russow; grandparents Evelyn and Ernie Toffan, Nanny Rhoda Bolduc; his best friend and Buddy Erich Husfeldt; his roommates Betsy, Eves, Robbie, Joey and Katherine and numerous other relatives, cousins, school mates and friends. Dylan's last days on this earth were not easy for him, and it was the strong bond between his twin sister and him that allowed Karli to pass on a message for him saying "Mom, you have to let go now because Dylan won't unless he knows you will be O.K.". Thank you Karli, not only will I be O.K., but I will forever be a better person for having had the honour to be Dylan's mom. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 NOON on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Terry Sawchuk of St. Peter's Church. Visitation with Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. Services to conclude in the Chapel with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dylan's memory to Easter Seals, George Jeffrey Children's Centre, or to St. Joseph's Foundation, designated to the Hospice Unit. On-Line Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca "