Hundreds Gather To Pay Their Respects To Beau Biden

WILMINGTON, Del., (CBS) -- Hundreds gathered in Wilmington, Delaware Friday for the viewing for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, the son of the Vice President.

"Here you kind of think of it like Joe is everybody's dad and Beau is everybody's brother," said Jim Butler of Wilmington.

"Our daughter worked with Beau and he was a tremendous mentor to her."

"I worked for him as a volunteer for eight years at his Wilmington office."

In fact, everyone CBS 3 Eyewitness News spoke with had some personal connection to the Biden family.

"Joe the Vice President was very helpful in getting me an apartment."

"I worked with then Senator Biden and Beau Biden we served together in the National Guard."

Back in the place he was born, former Attorney General Beau Biden was escorted into St. Anthony's Church in Wilmington, wrapped in the same colors that the community put on display outside of their homes.

This is one day after he laid in honor inside of the Delaware Senate chambers.

The Vice President's eldest son had to retreat from dreams of running for Governor so he could focus on his family and health as he battled brain cancer.

That battle ended Saturday. Beau was 46 and leaves behind a wife and two young children.

That hits home for Margerate Caufield who's son is also battling terminal cancer.

"I can identify with them. It's just so sad," said Caufield.

The family man and veteran will be laid to rest Saturday, but colleagues see great potential in the lessons that he's left.

"I think what Beau can teach all of us is humility and patriotism and a strong commitment to his nation."

The Biden family has established the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children.