TUCSON - As the community of Sierra Vista came together to honor the life of Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Ivie, the images were riveting.

After the service today, the family's spokesman, Kevin Goates, talked to the media and provided some insight into what the family has dealt with over the last week.

"We certainly appreciate all of the great support that we have had, the outpouring and love and appreciation from the community," Goates said. "On behalf of the family, they want to thank everyone so much. I talked to one of the brothers and he said it just helped to know other people are hurting too, hurting along with us. That gives us some comfort and some peace."

Part of that process, Goates said, was reaching out to an agent they knew was hurting.

"There was a visit by the injured Border Patrol agent to the [Ivie] home," Goates said. "They embraced him and held him and there were many tears shed."

According to Goates, a close family member said she felt she could speak on behalf of Nick to help those that are now grieving.

Goates told press: "[She] spoke up and said, 'I know what Nick would say right now if he were here. He would say "Cowboy Up" - that is what he would say to the agents. Get back in your saddle and get back to work.'"

Nicholas Ivie's body will now be returned to Utah where he grew up. The family says there will also be a memorial service on the campus of Utah Valley Univesity on Thursday morning. Following that event agent Ivie will then be buried in Utah with full honors by the Border Patrol.