HAMILTON - At this time of year, young men who have all but completed their university exams wear baggy shorts, crumpled T-shirts and faded baseball caps.
But not yesterday. Yesterday they wore dark suits and ties and came to St Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton in their hundreds to celebrate the life of a mate.
Cameron Murray - Cam to his family, Campo to his friends - died accidentally more than two weeks ago after a night out with friends before the start of his university exams.
After extensive searches of the city, his body was recovered from the Waikato River last Wednesday. Yesterday, about 400 family and friends crowded into Mr Murray's old school chapel to hear how much he had crammed into his life.
The symbols of the things he enjoyed most surrounded his coffin - a pair of skis, his backpack, a Waikato rugby flag, a "donated" Murray Rd street sign and a small, replica tractor.
For Mr Murray was nothing if not a country boy. He grew up on the family farm at Ngutunui, near Te Awamutu, won the championship ribbon at the Ngutunui School annual agricultural day and drove tractors in the holidays to earn enough money for university.
His uncle, Bryce Murray, spoke on behalf of the family, recalling Mr Murray's country upbringing, his love of rugby and the special relationship he had with his grandparents.
"He only lived 21 years and 72 days, but in those years he was privileged to experience something some people who live to a far greater age never get to experience - the unquestioned love of family and love of good friends and mates."
Mr Murray's father, Colin, had written a tribute that was read out on his behalf.
It spoke of the pride he and wife Alison had in their son and of hunting trips father and son took: "Sometimes we never fired a shot; we just enjoyed each other's company."
Mr Murray's younger sister, Anna, read a poem she had written for him. Friends also read poems, and recalled the fun times. Then they played Robbie Williams' song Better Man.
Outside the chapel, St Paul's students, holding huge bunches of gold and black balloons - Waikato University rugby colours - formed a guard of honour as Mr Murray's mates carried him to the hearse.
Mourners were each given a balloon and when everyone had gathered on the grass around the hearse, they let them go. The young men in suits and ties let out a cheer.
Mr Murray was buried in a private service at Te Awamutu Cemetery yesterday afternoon.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.