Over 40 of Braden Herman's family and friends visited his memorial site south of Little Red River Park on Saturday. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

For Braden

Family creates fitting tribute for ‘big Oiler fan’ Braden Herman

May 29, 2022 | 11:48 AM

Ever since May 11, 2021, Daphanie Herman has “always” gone on a trail south of Little Red River Park, to visit the site where her brother Braden Herman was allegedly killed at the age of 26.

She had a lot more company than usual during her visit on Saturday, as over 40 of Braden’s family gathered around the site to pay their respects during a candlelight vigil—the second to honour him.

“I get stronger every time I come here,” Daphanie said. “I miss him. I always come here, so I’m pretty used to it. I’m doing kind of okay with my grieving.”

Each person was given a candle with Braden’s picture on it, with the words “in remembrance of my brother, internal light and love.” The candles were lit and held among prayers being said and heads being bowed. After the prayers, some in attendance touched or kiss the cross that had Braden’s name and photo, along with a dream catcher and two crosses.

Daphanie made some additions to the memorial site since last year’s vigil on May 30, creating an elaborate Edmonton Oilers display featuring an outline of carefully placed blue and orange flowers, white rocks, and large metal letters to create the Oilers’ logo.

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“He was a big Oilers fan,” Daphanie said with a smile.

The homemade cross at Braden Herman’s memorial site, complete with an Edmonton Oilers dreamcatcher and several crosses. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

Weather forecasts indicated there would be rain on Saturday evening, but it did not fall on Braden’s family and friends during the memorial ceremony. It started to fall lightly minutes after, almost like Braden himself was able to delay the rain somehow and keep his loved ones dry.

“I’m very sure he’s watching over us and he’s glad with everybody that came out and supported us,” Daphanie said. “I think he’d be full of smiles.”

Bernie Herman is charged with first-degree murder in Braden Herman’s death. Bernie Herman’s case will resume on Monday, for a preliminary hearing.

The purpose of the hearing is to hear the Crown’s evidence and determine if it’s strong enough to advance to trial.

A small teddy bear sits in the flower garden, in front of the memorial site. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW