The family of a man beaten to death on a Halifax street is again thanking the people of Halifax for their support.

Raymond Taavel's obituary praised the "wonderful" people of Halifax. The message follows the release of a public letter from his family.

A private family service for Taavel will be held in Sault St. Marie, Ont., where his family lives.

His friends and colleagues are planning a public memorial service in Halifax on May 6.

The event will include a memorial walk from Grand Parade to St. Matthews United Church where the service will be held.

The family is asking that donations in Raymond Taavel's memory be made to the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, Halifax Pride, or the Canadian Mental Health Association

Taavel died April 17 when he was beaten outside Menz Bar on Gottingen Street.

32-year-old Andre Noel Denny is charged with second degree murder in connection with his death.