Cars lined up for miles on the side of Highway 16 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on Monday, as a tribute to Colby Cave, the 25-year-old Edmonton Oilers player who died tragically last week.
The show of support coincided with the Cave family’s return home from Toronto, where Colby died.
The RCMP and Fire Department led the family into town, with hundreds of cars lined up on the side of the road — many with signs for Colby. It was truly an incredible sight to be seen from the town of fewer than 14,000 people, who did what they could while observing social distancing protocols.
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“My greatest honour in life will always be that I am Colby Cave’s wife. I love him dearly, I always will and miss him beyond words,” said Colby’s wife Emily Cave. “He taught me so much. He was genuine, caring, selfless, had a contagious laughter, but most importantly had the biggest heart. Though our time with him on earth was cut short, I am grateful that the whole world can now see how incredible my husband was and how lucky I am to be his wife.”
Incredible view of the tribute to Colby Cave’s family along Highway 16 in North Battleford. #ColbyCave pic.twitter.com/XYaNRQcPgP
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) April 13, 2020
Heart wrenching. #RIPCAVER pic.twitter.com/qfZQMXNtgF
— Eric Gryba (@grybes02) April 13, 2020
Supposedly there is 15km+ of cars lined up outside Battleford right now waiting for the family of Colby Cave.
A heartbreaking and heartwarming time. pic.twitter.com/wquvx7vqVP
— Eric Gryba (@grybes02) April 13, 2020
Holding the hearts of the Cave Family close today. We are stronger together 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/duUzp0czu9
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) April 14, 2020
A photo sent to me as the community in @citynb welcomes back the Cave family. Heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. pic.twitter.com/f45LUhafE8
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) April 13, 2020
15Kms of cars to salute a local legend who was taken too soon. RIP #ColbyCave pic.twitter.com/FNihA1TjJI
— Daryl Fransoo (@DarylFransoo) April 13, 2020
The Oilers have created the “Colby Cave Memorial Fund” to help carry on the memory and legacy of Cave, with proceeds going toward community programs with an emphasis on mental health initiatives and providing access to sports for underprivileged children.
“Colby would be humbled by the Colby Cave Memorial Fund, and I am looking forward to continuing his legacy alongside the Edmonton Oilers and the rest of the hockey community,” said Emily.
Donations to the Colby Cave Memorial Fund are being accepted by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation in Colby’s memory at EdmontonOilers/Colby.
“Colby was a respected and admired teammate, family member and friend to so many across the hockey community and community at large,” said Oilers Chairman Bob Nicholson. “We wanted to work closely with Colby’s wife Emily, parents Allan and Jennifer, and sister Taylor to help create a powerful and lasting memory and legacy of Colby’s impact on our organization and the communities he played in.”