'They'll never really be gone as long as we remember them': Friend says of family who died in camper fire
Family and friends are struggling to come to terms with the unimaginable loss felt by everyone in the community after a couple and four children died in a camper fire on Sunday.
"They'll never really be gone -- as long as we remember them," said Tanya McManaman, whose daughter was a close friend of one of the children who died.
The memorial in the family's hometown continued to grow Tuesday as people stopped by to pay their respects to the young lives lost.
Michelle Robertson, 28, and her partner Robert Jorge (R.J.) Sears, 30, died with four children: Madison, 11; Robert Ryder, 8; Jaxson, 4; and Colin J. (C.J.), 3.
Among those paying their respects was Aaralyn McManaman, who was Madison's best friend.
"It felt like she was the one who was always going to be there for me. Which was true. She never left my side and she was such a good friend and I never had any other friend like that."
The family of six is being remembered as always being full of love and filled with laughter.
Michelle Robertson's aunt Nellie Lloy says her niece and RJ Sears were dedicated parents who loved all four children immensely.
"R.J. was a beautiful dad," said Lloy. "His whole purpose was to go to work and provide for that family. Michelle was a stay-at-home mom as long as she could, and every day it was about 'How do we make it better and how do we do better?'"
Lloy says the four children were known to bring joy everywhere they went.
Of 11-year-old Madison, Lloy said: "Maddy was involved with so many people at school and she involved herself in sports."
Of eight-year-old Ryder, she said: "There's a depth to that little boy's heart. I was just sitting thinking Sunday morning, I just wonder what his life is going to be because he's just so big and so kind-spirited."
Of four-year-old Jaxson Lloy said: "His nickname is Action Jaxson -- he's so animated."
And finally, three-year-old C.J. never missed a thing, Lloy said.
"He had everybody all figured out," she said.
As for the investigation into the fire, Lloy says she hasn't received much information, but was told that the family was found together.
"The two babies, that's what it looked like, they looked peaceful," Lloy said. "The two babies were in Michelle's arms and the two oldest close by with their dad."
Robertson's family says they're overwhelmed by the support pouring in from their community.
There are multiple community fundraisers started to help cover the cost of things such as funeral expenses, with one group raising more than $11,000 so far.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.