June 13 was the first time Jordan Fram's niece, Marley, said his name.
It was also the day of Jordan's funeral at Holy Redeemer Church on Bancroft Street in Greater Sudbury.
The 26-year-old was killed June 8 following an incident at Vale's Stobie mine. Jason Chenier, 35, was also killed in the incident.
Jordan leaves behind his parents, Brian and Wendy, siblings Jesse and Briana, and girlfriend Andrea Bailey.
Briana addressed the congregation at the packed church, where many sat in the lobby and foyer to listen, as the church itself was full.
Jordan spent the last few hours of his life with his family, including his niece and goddaughter Marley, “or as he called her, 'Marleeta,'" Briana said during her eulogy.
Marley is Jordan's brother Jesse's daughter.
“He just adored her,” she said. “He held her until the moment he left for work, and said to her 'I will hold you until I have to leave. But don't get upset when I go.'”
Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral for Jordan Fram June 13, who was killed at Vale's Stobie Mine June 8. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.
On the morning of June 13, the day of Jordan's funeral, Jesse and his wife Maegan, along with Marley, were laying in bed, Briana said.
“Marley saw a picture of Jordan and pointed to it,” she said. “Jesse grabbed the picture to show her and said 'This is your uncle Jordo,' and for the first time she said his name.”
Briana said Jordan was always there to help her and Jesse.
“There is so many times growing up that I would confide in him and I would know that he never judged me,” she said. “He would just offer me guidance.”
She also spoke of his love for sports, especially hockey.
“After every game, our Grampie would be there with a fresh $2 bill to award Jordo for a good game. He always got a Coke and popcorn with it.”
Briana said she was Jordo's “proud sister,” who always helped him carry his hockey bag.
“He was always there for me, and I just wanted to do anything I could for him,” she said. “He was my guardian angel, my protector, mentor and friend.”
Briana also said Jordan “loved his Bailey,” referring to Andrea Bailey, Jordan's girlfriend.
“She was his confidante, companion and cherished girlfriend,” she said. “They spent five wonderful years together as partners and best friends. He would do anything for her to make her happy.”
Briana said her brother will “forever be remembered for his smile and sense of humour.”
“He would make light of every situation, and always brightened up the room with his presence,” she said. “His laugh was beautiful (and) will echo in our hearts forever. It was his trademark.”
Though his life was short, Jordan “lived a wonderful life doing the things he wanted,” Briana said.
“Jordan was so well loved and has done so many wonderful things here on earth,” she said. “I'm positive he'll continue to do so in heaven.”
Jordan's uncle, Tony Bertuzzi, said Jordan was a great guy who “loved hockey and drinking beer.”
“He was fun-loving, always smiling, just an all-around good guy,” he said. “He loved life.”
