Simon Fraser University has created a memorial fund to honour Aiden Serr, a 19-year-old film and biology student from Maple Ridge who died last week in an early Morning crash.
The university in Burnaby started the fund in Serr’s memory to support other SFU students. The goal of the fund is to raise $25,000. So far, more than $4,700 has been raised.
All proceeds will support SFU students.
Serr was the lone occupant in a vehicle that was found flipped on its side in the 21200 block of the highway around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 13. He was taken to hospital, where he passed.
His family remembers him as a talented photographer, animal lover and cherished son, brother and friend.
The Maple Ridge secondary graduate played minor hockey, as well as box and field lacrosse and ball hockey for local clubs and a school team. He was a captain on various teams.
At SFU, he was studying film and biology. He was an avid and impressive photographer and cinematographer with the goal of one day working for National Geographic.
According to the fund page: “Gregarious and fun, Aiden was renowned for his kind nature and his generous team spirit.”
One of his professors, Greg Goldsmith, Ph.D., said: “It is rare that I have the privilege of interacting with a student who I know beyond any question will leave a lasting mark, but when I do, I know it immediately. Aiden was one of those few stars. I saw in him the potential to change the world through his passion for both science and storytelling.
“Aiden reminded me very much of National Geographic photographer Tim Laman – Tim studied field biology, but always with a camera in one hand. Tim’s photography, which is deeply grounded in science, has had an incredible impact on conservation. I am deeply hurt that we won’t get to see, similarly, what Aiden had in store for us.
“At the same time, I will certainly remember him. I will remember Aiden as being far beyond his years, as being full of quiet compassion for those around him, as being someone comfortable with himself, and as being unbelievably motivated almost beyond compare.”
Serr leaves behind his loving family, father Mike – deputy chief with the Abbotsford Police Department – mother Kirsten Urdahl-Serr – a local teacher – sister Kiana, grandparents Jim and Barb Serr, grandmother Joanne Urdahl, and great grandparents Roy and Violet Kosinski.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. at Maple Ridge Baptist Church, 22155 Lougheed Highway.
“In lieu of flowers, friends and family are coming together to establish this memorial award that will ensure Aiden’s legacy lives on at SFU by supporting students.”
