Filled with compassion and forgiveness, the adoptive mother of a Red Deer teen killed in Calgary last week reflected on how those who committed the act must feel.
“I feel so terrible for the family and those boys who have to live with this for the rest of their lives,” said Lynda Marance. “My son is free.
“Can you imagine that boy when he woke up the next day and found out he killed somebody? I forgive them.”
Levi Marance, 18, was killed on July 19 in Calgary. He was found by Calgary Police Service at about 1:30 a.m. that morning in medical distress. He was transported to hospital, but died a short time later.
A very protective, compassionate person he looked after his big blended family. Lynda, 70, said she has seven adopted kids and has guardianship of an eighth.
“He was extremely protective of anybody that knew him,” said Lynda. “Anyone that knew him, they’d call him basically their father. It didn’t matter who you were, he’d protect you.
“My husband died when Levi was seven, and he took on the role of protecting us. He was very compassionate and very loving.”
Levi always supported his sister’s dream of going to Ghana to do some work for an orphanage and bring some much needed medical supplies.
The Lansen’s Helping Hand Foundation has raised funds through bottle drives, in an effort to travel to Ghana.
“They’re going to work at an orphanage of 140 children,” said Lynda. “If my daughter and her friend can go to Ghana, take supplies, work there for four to six weeks and help 140 children then his death won’t be for nothing.”
For more information on Lansen’s Helping Hand Foundation visit their Facebook page, or email fealtheluv@yahoo.com.
Levi lived with a brain injury that impaired his ability to understand consequences and left him vulnerable to suggestion. He did have issues with substance abuse before his death.
Lynda wants some good to come out of her son’s death.
She said one boy who knew Levi though his drug use came by their house, brought flowers and wanted to say he was sorry.
“He was crying, and I was helping him move on with his life,” said Lynda. “I was praying the whole time for what to say to this man, he’s only 19.”
Then the thought of forgiveness overcame Lynda.
“I said to him, ‘I want you to know I forgive you for your part in what went wrong with my son.’”
They talked some more and nearing the end of their conversation Lynda asked the 19-year-old what he got out of the conversation.
“He looked at me and said ‘I’m forgiven,’” said Lynda.
Later that day, the 19-year-old went on Facebook posting how amazing Levi’s family was and that the night Levi died he gave up drugs.
“He said ‘I can move on with my life because Levi’s family forgave me.’”
Jesse Sky Copenance, 18, and a 17-year-old male have both been charged with second degree murder. The 17-year-old can’t be identified because of provisions in the Canada Youth Justice Act.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com