The family of Brandon Crisp, the Barrie, Ont., boy found dead after running away in a tiff over online gaming, say they try to understand the loss by believing that everything happens for a reason.

In Brandon's case, it's to drive home the message that "love and life are never to be taken for granted," Steve Crisp, the teen's father, told reporters in Barrie on Thursday.

"We all know that Brandon's story has all made us hug each other more strongly and more often. For this gift, we are eternally grateful," Crisp said, his voice breaking.

"Brandon will keep giving to those children less fortunate to enable them to love life through minor sports through a foundation we'll be setting up very shortly."

The Crisp family -- Brandon's mothers and two sisters were there -- spoke to the media about their son and brother at a funeral home visitation on Thursday. They said Brandon was a boy who loved the outdoors and sports.

"He loved to live life to the fullest. He never did anything unless it was for the very best," Steve told reporters. "He gave us 15 years of love and happiness, and made us very proud."

His sister Natasha said one wanted to spend time with Brandon "because he was just so funny."

Brandon disappeared on Thanksgiving after getting into an argument with his parents about his obsession with the Xbox game "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare."

Hunters found him on Nov. 5 in a wooded area east of Barrie. Authorities believe he died from chest injuries consistent with a fall from a tree and that no foul play was involved.

"I'm hoping he didn't suffer too long," Steve said.

The 15-year-old's dad said he hopes other parents learn from the tragedy and understand "this new world."

"Children don't want to go outside and play sports. They'd rather be inside playing these things," Crisp said, referring to gaming.

The Crisp family will be establishing a foundation to provide financial help to kids across Canada who may not be able to play organized sports.

Crisp recalled how Brandon loved to play sports when he was younger. He played goalie on his local hockey team, but was let go because he was shorter than the other children. After that, he got heavily into gaming.

"I don't think any child should ever have to go through that ever. I think every child should be able to play whenever they want to play and wherever they want to play," Crisp said.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend Brandon's funeral on Friday.

Crisp described Barrie as the "one of the best (communities) I've ever lived in -- and ever will live in." He cited the remarkable outpouring of support during the ordeal, such as neighbours bringing meals.

Hundreds participated in a search effort for Brandon -- one that ended a few hundred metres from where the boy's body was ultimately found.

Steve said it was fitting that Terry Grant, star of OLN's "Mantracker," came out to help on the search as it was one of Brandon's favourite shows.