The solemn atmosphere re­sonated among the members of the tight-knit Shepaug Valley High School community, as family, friends and community members gathered to say goodbye to the Roxbury boy.
Classmates at the high school joined scores of residents from the three towns of the Region 12 School District-Roxbury, Washington and Bridgewater-comforting each other while tears were shed.
Several members of the Roxbury Fire Department were in attendance as well. Cody's father, Mark Montana, is a volunteer member.
Roxbury First Selectman Barbara Henry, who led the event at the Steep Rock Pre­serve Sunday, delivered a memorial speech highlighting the Shepaug junior's effect on the community.
Cody was remembered as a philanthropic person, attentive, funny and always emitting a positive demeanor.
"His appeal was across the board, whether he was around his peers or whether he was around adults," Ms. Henry said. "His rapport was equal and effortless. It embodied who he was."
Ms. Henry's speech was accompanied by a serene gong meditation performance by family friend Anne Novak. The crowd stood or sat back in silence, reflecting as the meditation continued.
Cody Montana, of 51 Moose Horn Road in Roxbury, was the only child of Cathy Soukup and Mark Montana. He died Oct. 22 following an accident on Bee Brook Road in Washington that also sent three classmates to the hospital. All have been released or are recovering.
Cody's parents sat in the front row, receiving praises from Ms. Henry for successfully raising their son. She asked Mr. Montana to "find peace" in knowing the great impact Cody made on the community, as they continue to mourn during these trying times.
"There was nothing superficial about Cody. He was definitely a product of his parents," Ms. Henry said. "And as the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Highlighted throughout the day, from members in the crowd and from Henry, was Cody's smile. Ms. Henry recounted Facebook posts on the page titled "R.I.P Cody," created this week, where his smile was brought up frequently.
"Cody, you could make anyone smile at anytime," one post read. Another said he had a "contagious smile that I will never forget."
"Cody you've always been here for me, and you've always put a smile on my face," another post read.
Cody had an interest in travel-to Japan, California, Puerto Rico, Cancun and even to Montana and Canada for a polar bear expedition, Ms. Henry said. He made people "feel good about themselves," and he "accentuated life," she said. "If you wanted to inject life into your class at school-a dance, a trip or just hanging out listening to techno music, eating weird candy or organic lunches-Cody was your man," Ms. Henry said.
When asked to say something about Cody Montana, peers of the Shepaug boy often paused to gather their thoughts.
"He was the funniest, nicest person anyone had ever known," said Peter Wetherbee, a classmate from Sherman.
Connor Fairbairn, of Wash­ington, said Cody was a "genuine soul ... He was really a positive kid. You didn't have to know him that well to realize that."
Peter Wetherbee said he only knew Montana for a year and a half-adding that he "wouldn't miss" the event Sunday commemorating the lost friend.
Danielle Tunkel, a student at The Gunnery and a friend of Cody's who created the Facebook group dedicated to him, said he was "one who has become like family to me."
"So many memories were created while with Cody and they will always put a smile on my face," Danielle said. "Those memories will never disappear. Never."