Alex was my best friend. I miss Alex so much, we were best mates. Alex saved my life once and I will always love him for that. The vigil and funeral were very nice. The vigil started at 7 pm tuesday. It was packed with people. Alex was in his coffin, and we had a chance to view him and touch him and say our goodbye to him. His coffin was all white and there were black felt pens there to write messages on his coffin. His coffin was covered in messages are the end of the night. There are a big white projector screen where Alex's Lord Sardonic videos were played at intervals during the night. They played The Cow is Back, Wonder Boy, and What Makes Me Happy, and some tribute videos for Alex. His father said some words for Alex, and so did his family. We were all invited to view Alex's body and say a few words if wanted. I hobbled on my crutches to say goodbye to Alex, and to say a few words to the people there. I told them how alex saved my life and how I broke my left ankle and why Alex would have been laughing alot by the circumstances around breaking my ankle. The vigil dispersed about 11 pm, as alot of people didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave, because I wanted to spend some more time with Alex, as he was more than a friend, and best mate, he was my saviour. Alex's funeral was at 10.30 the next day, wednesday. That was packed with people too. Alex was closed in his coffin, and inside his coffin was 1000 paper cranes, which were made by his family and friends. We sang religious songs and the priest used insense and smoke was coming out of a bowl thing he had on a chain, and he walked around Alex's coffin with that. His funeral mass was very tradional. It sure was a hard time for us all and a cried again for my friend. After the funeral mass we were invited to have refreshments in the hall. Later that day Alex was cremated in a private ceremony with his family. I will always remember Alex JT Burke, he changed my life forever. He changed my life from a path of self destruction to a path of self enlightenment. He was a true friend in its purest form. I am honoured to be his friend and very greatful he chose me as a friend.