A large crowd gathered Sunday to remember the eight men killed in avalanches on Dec. 28, 2008. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)

Thousands gathered at a public memorial Sunday in the community of Sparwood, B.C., as friends and family remembered the eight men killed in avalanches in southeastern British Columbia one week ago.

The eight were part of a group of 11 snowmobilers riding in the back country near Fernie, when they were caught in two avalanches on Dec. 28.

"Our design is to hold on to their memory so that we might not lose the richness of having known them," David Purdy, the community's former pastor and a personal friend of each of the men, told the victims' families at the arena memorial.

"Today we are numb. We are angry, confused. We struggle to cope with the enormity of our loss and to understand where to go from here," he said.

"To the families of the eight men who perished in this great tragedy, my heart breaks for you."

Leonard Stier and his son, Michael, were described as men who loved the outdoors.

Like father, like son

A family friend recalled Leonard as a laid-back man who was a great father, friend and soulmate to his wife. Michael's best friend said he was a wonderful friend who enjoyed snowmobiling, just like his dad.

Derek Polacik remembered friend Thomas Talarico as a man who loved his wife and two daughters more than anything else.

Former pastor David Purdy encouraged the three survivors not to blame themselves for what happened. (CBC)

"You three girls were his world and he did, and will continue to do, all he can for you. There's a very special angel watching over you," Polacik said.

Warren Rothel was remembered as a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and friend.

"Anyone who knew him knew that he lived for adrenalin and excitement. … If it raised the hair on your neck, he had to try it — twice," said friend Joe DeLuca. "Warren left us doing what he was passionate about and trying to help out his friends."

Renee McCormack described her brother-in-law, Danny Bjarnason, as "an amazing person." He was a man of few words who was always there for his friends, McCormack said. She encouraged his friends and family to remember how he made them laugh and touched all of their lives.

Sonny Saad, the uncle of 30-year-old Kane Rusnak, remembered his nephew as "a very special young man" whose death leaves a void in the family.

Sonny Saad, Kane Rusnak's uncle, says the family misses Rusnak already. (CBC)

"Kane, my nephew and, more importantly, my friend, I will miss you. Kane loved this valley and the opportunity it offered for business [and] pleasure," Saad said. "He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Kane, all of us wish you a safe journey."

Friend Scott Kozler read a letter on behalf of Kurt Kabel's family, thanking search-and-rescue crews, the RCMP and volunteers.

Kozler described his friend as a true family man.

"Kurt loved his family. He idolized his father, he cherished his mother and his sister [and] he found a new type of love with his wife and his son," Kozler said.

Blayne Wilson was described as an avid hunter and outdoorsman by his sister-in-law.

"We love you, Blayne," she said. "May your life and laughter shine down on us, and please watch over my sister. She will always love you like no other."

Statements were also read on behalf of Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.

Three men survived the avalanches and were rescued by helicopter. After an exhaustive search of the area over two days, all eight bodies were recovered.

All the men were experienced snowmobilers, equipped with safety gear, who knew the terrain well.