Brandon Crisp, 15, is shown here in an undated family photo. (Barrie Examiner/Canadian Press)

The father of an Ontario teen who died after he ran away following a dispute with his parents over his video-game playing said Thursday he hopes his son's story "has brought families closer together" across Canada.

"Our family believes everything happens for a reason," Steve Crisp, whose son, Brandon, was found dead on Nov. 5 in a farmer's field near Barrie, told reporters.

"Although it is hard to understand the death of a child who had so much to give, we believe the reason for Brandon’s story brought into everyone’s homes was to make us realize that love and life are never to be taken for granted."

Crisp, 15, ran away from his Barrie home in October after fighting with his parents over an Xbox video game, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. His parents had taken the game away from him because he seemed to be addicted.

His disappearance spurred a three-week search before his body was found by hunters north of Barrie. An autopsy revealed he died from injuries to his chest consistent with having fallen from a tree.

His father said the family is dealing with the death "day by day," but is tremendously grateful for the support from neighbours, friends, co-workers and strangers who came forward with support since the day he went missing.

"It’s an incredible outpouring of love and thought that we never even knew existed, and this community is one of the best I’ve ever lived in and will ever live in," Crisp said.

The family has decided to establish a foundation, which will be named after Brandon, to support underprivileged children who can't afford to play minor sports.

Steve Crisp said his son was a hockey goalie, but stopped after his size became a factor. He said he believes children should be allowed to play whatever sports they want to.

"He got to a point where he was a little shorter than the other kids, and, you know, his position was kind of moved off the team, and we decided to quit minor sports at that point," he said.

"I don’t think any child should have to go through that, ever."

A donation account has been set up at the CIBC as the Brandon Crisp Trust Account. Donations can be made at any of the bank's branches across Canada.

Crisp's funeral will be held on Friday at St. Mary's Church in Barrie.