Kaydence Bourque, the 16-year-old who died after being hit by a vehicle in a crosswalk, was a natural leader who was creative, outgoing and always “radiating positive energy,” said the principal of Reynolds Secondary School, where Kaydence was a student.
“Kaydence was always very willing and enthusiastic about taking part in any way he could,” said Aaron Norris.
Kaydence was in Grade 11 at Reynolds, a popular student with natural humour who played saxophone in the school band and aspired to earn scholarships to post-secondary schools.
“He was a smart and inquisitive person with a powerful sense of self,” said Norris. “He was a friend to everyone in class and his quick wit would keep everyone on their toes.
“Kaydence held on tight to his moral compass, lived with compassion for others and was always respectful and helpful. He had a strong work ethic and a zest for learning,” said Norris. “He had passion and sass, embraced life’s surprises with a cheeky sense of humour.”
Kaydence was hit by a vehicle on Monday evening on Cedar Hill Cross Road, just metres from his home on Merriman Drive, after working a shift at the Market on Yates, where he had bagged groceries and stocked shelves for two years. He would often bring groceries and snacks home for the family.
The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and has co-operated with Saanich police.
Kaydence died on Tuesday afternoon. His body was kept alive for organ donations on Thursday morning.
Kaydence’s parents, Crystal and Doug, said his organs were retrieved successfully and sent to recipients. “As those people are in major surgeries, we hope everything goes perfectly for them,” Crystal Bourque said in a Facebook post. “In a few weeks, we will receive a letter from the transplant society letting us know if all the operations were successful.”
Crystal Bourque said the family knew organ donation was what Kaydence would have wanted.
“Kaydence was able to spend a couple more years with his beloved grandmother after she was the recipient of a kidney, generously donated by her own daughter,” said Crystal.
“To us, there wasn’t really a decision to be made. He was the type of boy that would want that for someone else.”
The family is encouraging everyone to fill out organ donation cards.
Kaydence identified as Metis, and members of the Tsawout First Nation and Metis Nation of Greater Victoria were at a school memorial last week to provide support.
Norris said Kaydence made many special connections with students and staff — anyone around him.
“He played the alto saxophone and was consistently the first musician at early morning jazz band practice ready to play,” said Norris. “Learning was important for Kaydence and he enjoyed the classroom environment, especially when he had the opportunity to discuss current events and people’s experiences in the world.
“Kaydence’s classmates and friends describe him as confident, yet humble. They appreciated his humour and infectious smile. Whether it was in the classroom or the hallway, he would often joke with friends and make anyone around him laugh or smile.”
Kaydence’s death has sparked a public outpouring of grief, and a push for Saanich to quicken the pace of its Active Transportation Plan of building safer roadways, improved crosswalks and more sidewalks.
A GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $63,000 by Saturday night, with proceeds going to Kaydence’s parents and sister, Ahria, 15, also a student at Reynolds.
“We love him so much and nothing is going to bring him back,” said Crystal Bourque. “But the fact that so many people care is amazing and we cannot accurately express our gratitude to people we know and the people who we don’t.
“The heartfelt messages from strangers … it goes to show that people are as kind as you want to believe they are.”
