The Battlefords was saddened a year ago by the death due to a brain bleed of former Battlefords resident and NHL player Colby Cave at the age of 25. Today, Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers will host a celebration of life, livestreaming at 11 a.m.
Emily Cave, who was married to Colby for nine months before dying of a brain bleed, members of the Cave family, the Gill family (Emily’s family) and the Oilers organization will be part of the commemoration.
“It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I lost my best friend and husband,” Emily wrote in a statement released by the Oilers. “This past year has been the most difficult year of my life but I thank everyone for your continued love, prayers, and support.
“Since Colb passed, all I wanted as his wife was to give the ceremony he deserved. Although, this is never how I imagined my husband’s Celebration of Life, almost exactly a year later, and still with limited numbers, this will help bring people from all over together (virtually) to remember Colb that weekend.”
In another tribute to Colby, the Cave family and the Edmonton Oilers have created the Colby Cave Memorial Fund.
According to the Oilers website, proceeds from the fund will go toward Colby's Kids – community programs with an emphasis on mental health initiatives via CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and providing access to sports for underprivileged children via the former Edmonton Oilers 2nd Shift.
“Cave made a lasting impact both on and off the ice with the Edmonton Oilers and the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, and before that with the Boston Bruins organization and the WHL's Swift Current Broncos. Cave was a consummate professional, well-respected by teammates and opponents alike. He was also a committed and positive member of the communities in which he played, eagerly volunteering for charitable initiatives and always stopping to say hi to fans,” the website states.
Donations to the Colby Cave Memorial Fund are being accepted by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation in Colby's memory.
