PHOENIX — A video of a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of a loved one after he died has almost 3 million views on TikTok. But it wasn't a normal funeral, the family called it a FUNeral.
A Mesa family decided the best way to say goodbye to their loved one Brandon was to host a party featuring everything he loved to do.
"We did all his favorite things like eat popsicles, paint and share good music," Sicily Wilcock, who shared the video, said.
We spoke to Wilcock who said there was a strong feeling of comfort at the gathering, which was held in Brandon's backyard.
"Although there were still many tears shed that night, it didn’t feel as 'heavy' as funerals I’ve been to in the past. Katie and her 3 little kids were often found smiling and laughing, surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones," Wilcock said. "It felt warm, familiar, and like it wasn’t really the end."
Wilcock, who lives in Gilbert, is the best friend of Brandon's wife, Katie Young. Young planned the gathering for her husband.
"His artwork was on display, and there were supplies for guests to create their own art there as well! He had an amazing record collection, and people could take some as a keepsake to remember him by," Wilcock said. "There was a sign that said “Brandon’s Final Vinyl: Take me home tonight 🎶”.
Wilcock said the Youngs were more like family than friends.
"He and Katie would give me honest and encouraging dating advice, he would grill us burgers or make us treats, or just engage in fun conversation," Wilcock said. "He truly made me feel like part of the family any time I was at their house!"
Hundreds of people showed up to Brandon's "FUNeral."
"Love and friendship just pour out of them! I think that’s part of why he had such an incredible turnout that night. There were hundreds! Anyone who has met Brandon has been touched by his goodness and kindness," Wilcock said.
The comments on the post were emotional. Several users in the more than 3,500 comments said they hoped their end-of-life gathering was similar.
"If my funeral isn’t 1/100th of this, I’ll be so sad. This is the best celebration!!" one TikTok user said.
"Wow this man was LOVED," another user said.
"THIS should be the correct way to say goodbye to someone, a celebration of their time alive, the connections, the moments, the love they left in other's lives," another said.
"I don't know who Brandon was. But I'm kinda sad I didn't get to know him. Looks like a lot of people loved him," a commenter said.
Wilcock said saying goodbye to a loved one is incredibly personal but Brandon did not want to be remembered in sadness.
"Everyone will mourn and celebrate in their own way. For many, the idea of lots of crying, tears, and sadness in a rather gloomy location is not how they want to be remembered," Wilcock said. "For me, I would love my life to be celebrated by the people who love and care about me. I would want them to experience a piece of the joys I had in life and TRULY celebrate my life!"
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