Cherished moments shared with Arrowtown man Richard Doyle (19) were poignantly and often humorously recalled by close family and friends during a standing-room-only service at the Athenaeum Hall.
The Wakatipu-born and raised apprentice signwriter was found in the waters off South Strad- broke Island, on the Gold Coast, last Thursday, after an extensive search and rescue operation by Australian authorities.
Family friend Simon Hayes led the service and said the community wanted Richard's father, Peter Doyle, and brothers Mathew and Timothy to know they had its support.
The Arrowtown and Wakatipu High School-educated man was larger than life in stature and personality, Mr Hayes told hundreds of mourners.
A gallery of photographs depicting an active and happy young man was presented to music.
His beloved Puffa jacket was displayed near the casket.
Mr Doyle's career had taken him to Dunedin and employment at Bachop Visual Imaging Ltd.
Owner Bill Bachop praised his "impressive and talented" employee and workmate, who was affectionately known as "Ricardo".
Mr Doyle, a trumpeter, was also Mr Bachop's band-mate with the Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass.
