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Randy Ponzio was found dead in a Downtown Eastside hotel on Nov. 20. (Courtesy Kei Baritugo)
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Hundreds say goodbye to musician Randy Ponzio

Friend says Ponzio was a 'beautiful soul'

News1130 Staff Nov 21, 2011 17:06:21 PM
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - There were tears mixed with laughs and music as more than 200 people gathered Monday night to remember Randy Ponzio.

The candlelight vigil comes as many questions still surround the death of the 35-year-old musician.

Music filled Granville Street near Georgia where Ponzio used to busk.

His friend, Tonye Agabana wants to know why Ponzio disappeared last Tuesday, and then was found dead in a room at the Balmoral Hotel over the weekend.

"You can see that people care and want to know. And I just really hope that the police will do their job and find out for us so that we can mourn and put him to rest."

Agabana says even if Ponzio didn't know you, he'd take the time and ask you how your day was going.

"He was sweet, funny, caring, kind and mad with energy."

Ponzio's three young children were at the vigil, which included dozens of tributes from other members of the Vancouver music scene.

His friend, who goes by the name Rags, says he loved Randy like a brother.

"He was a beautiful soul," Rags tells News1130. "He gave until it hurt. He was supportive, he was loving, he was caring, he was a giver.

"He will be sorely missed by thousands of people. That's who he touched, that's who he loved, and that's how many people loved him, and that's merely a testament to his character and to who he was as a person."

A fundraiser is set to be held November 29th to help his family.
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