Article By: John Browne Memorial basketball coach Peter Benoite talked about recruiting Jacob Ranton and how he became close to the young man and his family over the years.
He talked about the first time he’d seen him play and the last practice with him. The last time he saw him alive.
Ranton, a 20-year-old Memorial University sophomore died last week. His body was found in the Conestogo River beneath a train bridge in St. Jacobs, Ont.
Benoite delivered a eulogy Tuesday morning at Ranton’s memorial service before a large crowd at Creekside Church in Waterloo, Ont.
He talked about the years he saw Ranton play in a Grade 9 and 10 tournaments at recruiting trips during.
He talked about Ranton’s first trip to Newfoundland and about the phone call telling the MUN coach he was coming to Memorial.
He talked about Ranton’s first year with the Sea-Hawks and getting over his knee injury and about how much fun he was having playing basketball, about how well he was playing and about how much he meant to the MUN program and of his character.
“Jacob’s death resonated with a lot of people,” said Benoite. “I was told about 1,300 people went through the visitation line. The Ranton family are well known and very well respected in the Waterloo area, so a lot of people felt they needed to come and pay their respects.”
Benoite became close friends of Jacob’s parents, Doug and Sandra Ranton, over the years.
“They came down to Newfoundland a few times to see Jacob play,” said Benoite, “and we've had team meals at their house in Waterloo a couple of times. They’ve travelled to our tournaments in Montreal and have been real good supporters of Jacob and the team. They were always so happy and appreciative that Jacob really enjoyed Newfoundland and Memorial.”
Benoite said Ranton’s parents were doing well under the circumstances.
“They are trying to transition from grieving Jacob’s death, to celebrating his life, which obviously is very tough,” said the MUN coach.
Benoite also said Ranton’s teammates are doing well as could be expected in dealing with the tragedy.
“It was really good to see everybody and to get them together and to have them at the funeral. I thought it was really necessary and I think it helped us to get some closure. I feel it’s going to help in moving forward.”
Benoite said the family and the entire Waterloo community appreciated the fact the entire team came to the funeral.
“Everyone wanted to make sure we got there and thanks to the university and all our supporters in helping make that happen,” he said.
He explained the university “stepped up and really help make it happen. MUN committed funds to help pay for tickets and we had the help of some great alumni to make sure all costs were covered.”
Former Sea-Hawk Loren Kieley, who is one of Benoite’s best friends, set up the gofundme website to help raise funds for the trip.
“The outpouring of support was amazing,” noted Benoite.
“Within 50 minutes, it raised $650, within two hours it was up to $2,300, and $4,500 within four hours. That’s truly amazing and shows our alumni and supporters are eager and ready to help when necessary. It was truly impressive to see.
“I sincerely thank all those who donated.”
Benote said the team will practise today but admitted it was going to be difficult getting back to the gym and into a routine.
The Sea-Hawks resume their AUS regular-season schedule at home Jan. 10, 11 against Cape Breton Capers.
“We are going to miss Jacob a lot,” noted Benoite.
“There will be a lot of moments when it will hit us as we get back into things. But we have to start, and the quicker we get back into routine, the better it will be.”
Retrieved From: http://www.lportepilot.ca/Sports/2015-01-02/article-3993883/Sea-Hawks-say-goodbye-to-their-teammate/1
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