Memorial held in Brandon for Las Vegas shooting victim Tara Roe

Friends and family of Tara Roe gathered in Brandon Friday afternoon to remember the young mom, who was one of four Canadians killed in the Las Vegas Shooting on Oct. 1.

More than 500 people filed into the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn, a hotel on the Manitoba city's west end, for a celebration of life.

"We did not dwell on the evil that took our Tara from our lives, but we shared — with laughter and tears — her happy times, her accomplishments, our memories of her and why she was loved so much by so many," said Mark Smith, Roe's father.

Smith and his wife, Brenda, read a prepared statement to reporters after the service concluded.

Roe, 34, grew up in Brandon, but lived in Okotoks, Alta., with her husband, Zach, and their two boys.

She was among the spectators at an outdoor music festival in Las Vegas when a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay hotel, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more. 

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Guests at the memorial were also invited to sign a petition to support gun control.

"One heart is worth more than all the guns on Earth," read a sign next to the petition, the family said. A table of Tara's photos, crafts, projects and other mementoes was also on display.

"Tara loved life," said Smith. "She wanted to experience new adventures, taking up wave surfing and kayaking just this summer. She loved to do things with her family, enjoyed camping, Clear Lake time, biking and quiet game nights."

Her sister, Tami Spiropoulos, spoke at the service.

"I will keep her closer to me than ever before, because distance means so little when someone means so much to you, like Tara does to me and to all who knew her," Spiropoulos said.

Her parents said they are thankful for the outpouring of support people have shown since their daughter died. A GoFundMe account set up for Roe's husband and kids has so far raised more than $160,000.

"Like everyone here today who had their own connection to Tara, we will support each other as we go forward," Smith said.

"And while we find a way to live our lives without Tara,  she will never be forgotten."