Randy Janzen remembered at memorial service alongside slain family members

There was confusion, anger and plenty of tears at Friday's memorial service for the Janzen family.

It's believed Randy Janzen killed his daughter, wife and sister and then himself in an apparent murder-suicide earlier this month.

Despite the horrific details that have emerged about the case, Randy Janzen was remembered alongside his family at Bethel Mennonite Church in Langley. Pastor Phil Wheaton opened the service by acknowledging that some in attendance were likely angry that Janzen was being remembered along with the three women he allegedly confessed to killing in a disturbing Facebook post.

"There was a good life lived for him, as well as the others of course," Wheaton said. "The end is unfortunate, grotesque in many ways, but we still have to celebrate the good things."

Wheaton urged the mourners to celebrate the lives of Emily, Shelly, Laurel and Randy Janzen.

Remembering the Janzens

Emily, 19, was remembered as a talented singer and performer.

Her cousin, Jenna, shared a story about how they were "too chicken" to go on scary water slides during a family trip to Cultus Lake, but then decided the kiddie pool and boy-watching were more fun than water slides anyway.

Emily's mother Laurel was described as a free spirit and brilliant cook who loved her daughter.

Of all the Janzens, Wheaton knew Shelly the best.

"She was always thoughtful of others, and I know we hear about that, but in this situation, she truly was what she was advertised to be," he said.

There was also much praise for Randy Janzen, who was remembered as a talented athlete and musician as well as a loving father. A man who introduced himself as Randy's best friend says he wants everyone to know that Janzen was not a bad person. He says Randy loved his daughter and he was a solid friend, which made the tragic deaths that much more difficult to comprehend.

Emily's last song

Emily Janzen had said on social media that she suffered from migraines that eventually robbed her of her ability to sing. She had been invited to perform at Bethel Mennonite Church before her death, but had to cancel at the last minute because of an unbearable headache.

A video of Emily performing "Orange Coloured Sky" was played on a big screen during the service.

"It was surreal, actually. I was delighted, I only learned before the service, 10 minutes or so that that video had been included," Wheaton said.

"I thought that was healthy and good."

For many of her friends and family, it was a chance to hear Emily share her gift of song one last time at her family's church.