AURORA, Colo. — Alexander J. Boik, better known as A.J., was remembered as a talented young man who was a skateboarding free spirit with a ready smile.

A funeral service for the 18-year-old was held Friday morning at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Aurora.

His uncle, John Hoover, gave the eulogy. He challenged everyone to be a little more like A.J. and step out of your comfort zone to make a new friend.

Hoover shared some lighter moments with mourners who packed the church.

Many of them graduated from Gateway High School with A.J.  He said, “I know he’s making a funny face and trying to make the rest of us laugh.”

One of Hoover’s own recollections about A.J. drew laughter from the crowd. “He started growing what tried to pass for a mustache the first day he sprouted a hair on his face. Grew his long hair and his attitude was ‘this is me, you love it.  Don’t be jealous’.”

Hoover added, “He is still with us, and I know that I can feel his spirit floating in the breeze.”

By Jene Nelson