Hundreds remember cheeky grin and positive attitude

Hundreds turned out to celebrate the short life of Greg Woledge who died when his van plunged off the Maungatapu bridge. Photo / Andrew Warner

More than 400 mourners remembered Greg Woledge's cheeky grin, his positive attitude and his unwavering commitment to those close to him at his funeral, yesterday.

Mr Woledge, 24, died when his van plunged off the Maungatapu bridge on his way home from work last Monday.

His family and friends filled Tauranga Park Chapel.

A white casket covered in messages and adorned with a purple and yellow snowboard sat at the front of the chapel throughout the service.

Partner Chelsea Findsen, who is pregnant with their second child, sparked both tears and laughter as she read a letter she had written thanking him for "seven years of wonderful memories".

"You were the best partner, so loving and caring. You loved shopping so that was a bonus," she said.

"I'm going to bring up our two kids exactly how you and I would have wanted. I want to fulfil yours and my dreams together with the kids although I can't see myself ever doing a bungy."

His mother, Vivienne, told the crowd of 400 to 500 mourners that he and his older sister Emma were the most perfect children she could have asked for.

"You went about life with such passion," she said.

Mr Woledge, a keen snowboarder and surfer, would be forever remembered on their regular snow trips, his sister Emma said.

Amp't Electrical director Brent Adler, said he had lost a good staff member and a "bloody good mate".

"For a young fella like himself he had a lot of responsibilities and you never heard him complain about it.

"When he came into the office every morning he was full of laughter and life."