Only now has the family felt able to express their memories of him and say just how his disappearance affected them.
The four-and-a-half weeks he was missing was "traumatic", says a statement released by the family to APNZ.
"Each day that passed we waited desperately for news," it says.
"After the third week of no news of Kurt's whereabouts the family came to the realisation that their son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend was not coming back to us. We had to accept that the sea had taken Kurt after extensively exploring all other possibilities."
The finding of the body at least allowed the family some closure.
Now they can remember the "gifted writer and poet" who also had a talent for art, which runs in the family. His great uncle, was leading 20th century New Zealand artist, Dennis Knight Turner, who illustrated Barry Crump's books.
"Kurt was a kind, sensitive, loving and humorous young man. He loved the non-materialistic life; appreciating art, music, all animals and nature," the family says.
"He would enjoy sleeping under the stars and spending quality time contemplating the beauty of life.
"He had a unique sense of humour, he loved the quotes and drawings of Winnie The Pooh and he was clever at sketching caricatures.
"Some of his writings and thoughts - discovered only after his death - are amazing and show he was a very intelligent and articulate man.
"He will be remembered as the Kurt that was not afraid to do what he loved and to do it well, despite not conforming to the material world."
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
