ST. LOUIS – 16-year-old Colin Brown was laid to rest Friday at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End.

He was struck by a random bullet on Interstate 55 while his dad was driving him home from a hockey game on Nov. 23.

A funeral was held Friday for the teen who died Nov. 27. His organs saved four other lives.

Brown’s hockey jerseys adorned the chancel.

“I commend Tracey and Calvin for your love, and Liam as well for your love for Colin. It does not go unnoticed, and it inspires all of us,” Rev. Monsignor Henry Breier said. “He forged friendships with his teammates in hockey and, while at CBC only for a short time, forged very strong relationships for a young man.”

Like with his coach Bob Jakubeck, who added, “Only one name on this lineup card. And that’s Colin, who we affectionately refer to as Brownie..Brownie was all business when he got to the rink, and it showed on the ice.”

He said the team got a sign from Colin at Kirkwood Turkey Trot last week.

“There was a lady sitting on the side of the road cheering everybody on,” he said.

She was counting turkey hats and came to a certain number when Colin’s teammates passed.

“She was on number 72 right when we walked by,” the coach said.

That’s Colin’s jersey number.

The ceremony ended with the clattering of hockey sticks that sounded like tears. It was an honor guard of young hockey players saying their goodbyes as family and friends embraced.

While family and friends continue searching for answers, their message of love, passion, and resilience showed a determination to keep Colin Brown’s memory alive.