A solemn ceremony was held Saturday at an east-end funeral home to remember the life of a homeless man fatally shot by Montreal police Tuesday.
Mario Hamel, 40, was remembered by friends and family, many of which said they couldn't believe why they were there.
"A guy with a knife, against four cops… it's not like he would have been able to do anything," said Hamel's friend Wilfred Larose. "I think it's disgusting."
The incident began Tuesday morning on Ste. Catherine St. where Hamel was slicing open garbage bags.
When confronted by police, Hamel ran several blocks, stopping at St. Denis St. near Christin St.
Details concerning what happened next are so far unclear, but it ended with the deaths of Hamel and a passing cyclist, 36-year-old Patrick Limoges.
The Surete du Quebec has begun an investigation into the double killing. The provincial police force has so far refused to offer further details concerning their investigation of the incident.
Hamel was described Saturday as a calm person by Aubin Boudreau, director of Accueil Bonneau, one of the shelters Hamel used to frequent.
"He took on responsibilities at the shelter," said Boudreau. "He wanted to help; he wanted to give."
Earlier this week, Hamel was described as troubled. About two weeks ago, he caused a disruption during suppertime at the Old Brewery Mission serious enough that staff decided to restrict his access to the shelter altogether.
But his friends from his years spent living on the streets paid tribute to the fallen man Saturday.
"He was a generous person, honest," said Denis Dailleux, a friend. "The kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if it would help you."
Hamel is survived by his mother and his four children.
The funeral for Patrick Limoges, the second man shot by police in the incident, will be held Sunday in Trois Rivieres.
