BAYVIEW — Kevin Monaghan couldn't hold his emotions back Friday when talking about the fire that Brent and his mom, Liz Justus, were caught in during the early morning hours July 19.

The two were rescued by neighbors from a Bayview house fire, but Brent later succumbed to his injuries.

Kevin and Melissa Monaghan usually throw a birthday party for Melissa at the Bayview Lakeland RV Park, but this year, the Monaghans didn't feel right about their plans.

"When we heard Brent passed away, we were going to cancel Melissa’s birthday, but Liz said, 'Don't cancel the party, Brent would have wanted to have a party,'" Kevin said.

The celebration of life for Brent Justus, 45, brought the community together, many embracing friends as they arrived.

Russ Barton said he's been living in the community for about 10 years and said the Justus family has always been a strong reason why he loves being part of the neighborhood.

"I think this little community is pretty nice and Liz is a big part of that," Barton said. 

Barton said Brent was often at his mom's side, helping her with the family's properties.

"These are all my friends. They’re good people and it sucks," Barton said. "Everybody here cares and this party every year happens for a totally different reason, but we’re trying to help this family pull it back together however they can."

The band Prairie Fire called the donations to the Justus family “the reason everybody is here” and pointed out red boxes where people could contribute or send Venmo funds to the family.

A Cascadia Pizza truck fed the gathering.

"She just needs that help right now," Barton said.

Donations to the Justus family can be made through Venmo to @Lisa-Justus-8. 

    Ken Nelson from Prairie Fire performs from the audience Friday at the Bayview Lakeland RV Park.

    Neighbors listen to Prairie Fire perform at a celebration of life for Brent Justus at the Bayview Lakeland RV Park.