The messages covering Tony McClean's casket said it all, thanking him for being an "amazing teacher and role model", a great friend and lover of life.
The 29-year-old teacher was farewelled yesterday in a service attended by more than 1000 people at the school where in just three
months he had made an impact.
Elim Christian School principal Murray Burton said Mr McClean had begun to change the school already, and had involved the students in competitions and activities that had not been con-sidered before.
Mr McClean's parents, John and Jeanette, described a man of imagination, adventure, vision, love and humour.
They spoke of his passion for reading, music, rugby, surfing, snowboarding, and helping others.
When he was not indulging his love of the outdoors, he spent time in Nepal, at orphanages in Cambodia and at Mother Teresa's Calcutta hospice.
Mrs McClean said treasure maps made for her son when he was young were still being found years later and he alwayshad "an incredible imagination".
"He could make up games about anything ... and when there wasa role to be played he hadto have the right costume andit had to be done just right."
A friend, Jonno Ward, said Mr McClean had "an amazing energy, enthusiasm and zest for life which I believe stemmed from his love of God, his love of people and his love of coffee".
He revealed that Mr McClean had specially appointed coffee monitors in his classes responsible for bringing him his vital brew.
The congregation watched a slideshow of photos accompanied by songs Mr McClean had recorded himself, and Mr Ward presented the video of a song recorded by his group the Phat Monks.
"He really lived life to the full and in a way that brought so much honour to God. I'm so proud he gave his life trying to save others; leading, encouraging, praying and struggling for a person who couldn't save himself."
His friend said the tattoo across his shoulders summed him up: Faith, hope, love.
