Family and friends of Nathan Deslippe said goodbye Thursday to the young man whom many say was a rising star within the community.

Deslippe, 27, was found dead in an apartment unit of a downtown high rise Sunday morning.

As news of his passing began to spread, online tributes began to pour in over social media for the popular young man.

Deslippe was considered by many to be a rising star in the local tech industry, as well as within community projects and initiatives.

His interests and projects include Knowledge Drop (founder), Rubber Duck Print (co-founder), MLD Solutions Inc., yoga instructor, certified member of the John Maxwell Team, ReForest London, and Voices.com.

Deslippe was also known for his sense of style. An online post called for young men attending the visitation and funeral to wear a bowtie to honour his memory.

Thursday’s funeral was held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica and  featured music from the Amabile Choirs of London, an organization the Deslippe family has had a long standing relationship with.

A memorial fund has been established with the London Community Foundation in honour of Deslippe which can be found here.

MLD Solutions has also set up a webpage in his memory.

Case Background:

Police say an autopsy is complete, but for now there are only more questions than answers as they say results may not be known for several weeks.

Police received a 911 call to 323 Colborne St. around 10 a.m. Sunday August 28, where they located Deslippe in an apartment unit. A second male was arrested on scene.

William Joles, 27, a known friend and roommate of Deslippe, has been charged with second degree murder and one count each of forcible confinement, assault and uttering threats to case death against a second individual.

The latter charges stem from a related event at the same location.