A memorial service was held on Wednesday for Michael Connor Verkerke, the 9-year-old boy mortally wounded at a playground in Kentwood, near the Grand Rapids. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Cornerstone Church in Caledonia to commemorate the boy's life. 

"Connor pretty much loved everything. Loved people, life, singing, dancing, and cub scouts", Sue Fiebig, the victim's grandmother shared to the group.

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In addressing the mourners who gathered for the service in Kent County's Caledonia Township, Pastor Brad Kalajainen expressed that Connor's "life had barely begun".

The victim's father, Jared Verkerke, then shared to the crowd that Connor was "one of my heroes".

"I have never known anybody who loved as much as my 9-year-old son," he added.

Kameron Verkerke, Connor's 7-year-old brother who was with him in the last moments of his life, also addressed the crowd.

"It's hard to go through this," Kameron said. "But he's in a better place," the younger boy added.

The memorial service was also attended by a huge group of Scouts. They lined up near the entrance of the church and performed a flag ceremony in honor of Connor inside. The food distributed after the service was also provided by the Scouts.

Despite the grief and bitterness the tragedy has brought to the family, Fiebig claims to harbor no resentment against Jamarion Lawhorn, the 12-year-old attacker of her grandson.

"As protective as you want to be with your kids, you still have to give them wings to grow; you can't always know what they are thinking. More anger with Jamarion, in a way we feel bad for him and we do hope that he gets what help is available that he can get, but anger too that he chose Connor," Fiebig explained.

Connor's godmother, Laura Roth, praised the boy's selfless character. She shared that Connor's generosity never wavered and was even evident on the day of the attack

"When the child who took Connor's life asked if he could join them, true to form, Connor welcomed him wholeheartedly," his godmother disclosed.

Even after being fatally injured, Roth claimed that Connor tried to comfort his brother rather than focus on his pain.

"During a time when most would have been consumed with fear, Connor was more concerned about Kameron," Roth added. "He told Kameron: 'Look at me, Kameron. If I die, this is not your fault. I love you.'"

TagsMichael Connor Verkerke, stabbing, Michigan, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Sue Fiebig, Jared Verkerke, Cornerstone Church, Caledonia