Family, friends gather at Town Gazebo in memory of Zander Ward

A public remembrance of 18-year-old Zander B. Ward, who was found dead on Guard Hill Road on October 28, after being reported missing by his family three days earlier, was held in the Front Royal Village Commons at the Gazebo at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, November 2. Family members and friends, including Ward’s former employer William Huck of C&C Frozen Treats just across East Main Street from the gathering site, spoke to a crowd estimated to have grown to 150 people.

An emphasis on mental health issues, drug addiction, and suicide prevention was prevalent throughout an emotional remembrance of Zander Ward’s life and personal struggles. And the theme: “Your Story Isn’t Over” was featured on the Gazebo stairs. For while Zander may be gone, that others may learn from his death that there are people and other options available to help you through tough times, is a lesson that can and will continue to be taught.

A message for Zander, and below, information to help forward that message to others facing tough personal times. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

The family will host a viewing Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal. A Memorial/Funeral Service is slated for 2:30 p.m. Friday, also at Maddox.

Zander’s ‘Aunt Kathy’ addresses growing crowd gathered in remembrance of her 18-year-old nephew.

Candles were distributed and lit in memory of a life lost too young. Below, a longer perspective on the crowd Tuesday night with many lit candles as the first freeze of this fall-winter season approached.

There was much ‘LOVE’ felt during Tuesday evening’s remembrance of Zander Ward’s life.