#NothingForNathan: An alcohol- and drug-free day of remembrance

A family who lost their young adult sontwo weeks ago to drug abuse areurging friendstoremember Nathan Smallwoodby not doing what led to his untimely death.

The family's unique memorial carries the social media tag "#NothingForNathan,"and asks friends to refrain from alcohol and drug use for24 hourson what would what been Smallwood's24th birthday.

Smallwooddied on March 28 in St. John's.

The Facebook page set up for the event saidSmallwood'sdeath was not intentional, but "after years of drug and alcohol abuse, his body had enough."

Youwantto remember Nathan?Do nothing. Don't have a joint. Don't drink a beer.Smallwood family

"Iguess over a course of time especiallythis past year it just took a toll on his body," his father, David Smallwood, told The St. John's Morning Show.

On Sunday, the family members areasking for a different request in Smallwood's honour.

"Do something that's good for your soul,whether it's reading a book, taking your dog for a walk," saidAshley Smallwood, Nathan's sister.

"Everybodydoesn'tneed to be partying all the time, every thrill in life doesn't need torevolvearounddrugs and alcoholthat's pretty much the message."

Instead of consumingan alcoholic drink, the Smallwoodsask that people grab a DrPepper Nathan Smallwood's favourite instead.

They'd like people to take a photo of themselves drinking Dr Pepper "and doing something good for the soul," and post it to social media, using the hashtag#NothingForNathan.

Everybody thinks they'reinvincible

Feeling pressure to fit in,Nathan Smallwood begangoing down the wrong path inhis mid-teens, said his father.

"Heprobablywasn't addicted at first, but the constant abuse overthe last sevenor eightyears took its toll on him."

Despite his ups and downs, his father said,Smallwoodwas well-liked and hard-working.

"He was a beautiful young man, he was a member of the carpentersunion in Edmonton. When he worked, he worked hard," hesaid.

"I got condolences from all around the worldas far as Indonesia."

'Don't have a joint, don't drink a beer'

For Smallwood's father, Sunday's event is something he needed to do.

"Drug abuse really is an illness, and seeking help it's like you need to strike when the iron is hot, and when you go to gethelpit'sa hurry up and wait situation, and in the life of these people, hurry up and wait is not a good thing."

After going through the system with his son, including recovery centres andcounselling, Smallwood said he is planning to getinvolved in support groups.

In the meantime, Smallwood and his daughter's request is simple: "Youwantto remember Nathan?Do nothing. Don't have a joint. Don't drink a beer."

"His birthday is Sunday, but for me it's every hour and Sunday is just going to be another day for me," hesaid,

"I think it's got to be done and I think if one person ishelpedone person is reachedit will be worth it."