About 150 people gathered in downtown Ottawa to celebrate the life of a homeless man who sat in front of the Bell Canada building at Albert and O'Connor streets for more than a decade.
A group of friends and strangers, ranging from government employees to other homeless people, held a memorial service for Andre Hamel at a spot where he used to sleep.
Mourners said Hamel and his dog Muff provided cheer to passerbys on their way to and from work each day.
Rather than asking for money, Hamel would always ask for a smile.
"Some of us that live in these highrises around town have to open our eyes and realize Andre was an inspiration. Let's all learn from him. He was a sweetheart," said Sheryl MacDonald, who attended the ceremony.
Hamel died of a heart attack on Canada Day.
