Friends and family of a New Brunswick boy who collapsed and died suddenly earlier this week gathered Saturday to celebrate his short life, and remember him as the happy and energetic boy he was.

“We use to play games,” said one of Garrett Blois’ friends. “Army games, water gun fights and all that.”

Garrett died on Monday when he was on his way to school.

Police say the nine-year-old died from a sudden cardiac event.

On Saturday, he was laid to rest at Sunset Church in Fredericton.

“It’s not easy,” says Garrett’s father, John Blois. “ we miss him really bad.”

Blois says he hopes a lesson can be learned from this tragedy.

“You know, every day, give your child a hug and kiss,” he adds. “Don’t let them ever go out the door without telling them you love them because you just never know if they’re going to come back.”

The young boy’s teddy bear sat on his casket during the service.

“I love Garrett,” exclaims his step mother. “I know he’s in a better place, but I just love him, and I always will love him.”

The Blois family is part of the Sunset Church congregation.

Reverend Dale Riley used to be Garrett’s Sunday school teacher, and says deaths at a young are especially hard.

“This is very difficult,” he says. “I’ve been part of quite a few memorial services, nothing like this. It doesn’t really make sense. There are no answers for a nine-year-old boy to lose his life like this.”

Garrett was in grade four at Priestman Street School.

“He loved being outdoors, he loved being active,” sayshis teacher Rachelle Colter. “He loved playing with the boys and having his friends.”

Since the news of Garrett’s death spread, the community has rallied around his family.

“The support from people coming in from all over the city has been absolutely incredible,” explains school Principal Mary Evans. “It’s really drawn the city together, and I would say this whole business has really touched everybody’s heart and I think because it has been such a shock. No parent expects to see their child go out to school in the morning, and this is going to happen.”

“It’s so fantastic that there’s people that care,” adds Garrett’s father. “That’s all I wanted, was to know that people knew what he was like. He was a really good little boy.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ashley Dunbar