Special to The Citizen

SKANEATELES FALLS -Wil Weigand is remembered by his family as a young man who loved the outdoors and someone who considered his family and friends to be the most important things in his life.

Wil died Oct. 4 in a car accident at the age of 26. On Saturday, family members and friends gathered at a benefit to raise money to help defray funeral expenses, but also to remember this young man.

The benefit was held at the American Legion Post 317 in Skaneateles Falls, and the post was full of people offering support to the family, both financial and emotional.

Food and drinks were available, as well as raffles for gift baskets and gift certificates for local businesses and restaurants. With a turnout of between 300 and 400, Wil's family found the outpouring of support astounding.

An employee of Kem Enterprises in Skaneateles Falls, Wil was remembered fondly by family members in attendance.

Bill Hunt, his stepfather, recalled that “he loved everything about the outdoors, from hunting and fishing to riding his bike and dirt bikes once he got a little older.”

These sentiments were echoed by his mother, Beth Hunt, and sister Brandy Weigand, both of whom also added that Wil's first priority was always family and friends.

One of the organizers of the benefit, Dorie Dixon, commented on how extraordinary it was to see the sheer amount of support for the family.

“The way the economy's been, there are still people willing to give,” she said.

Dixon offered thanks to everyone that was involved in the benefit, particularly the American Legion Post itself, which stepped in to host the benefit on Monday after their first venue had double booked the benefit with another event.

Dixon also pointed out that all the raffle prizes were either donated or purchased by individuals concerned about the family, proving, she said, “there are still some good people out there who are willing to give whatever they can.” Wil's death was sudden and, in Dixon's words, “such an unexpected thing to happen to a young kid.”