Be careful, begs grieving dad

Boat builder Todd Wiltshire's coffin reflected his lifelong love of the sea. Photo / Dean Purcell

The father of a young man killed in a collision between a car and a rubbish truck has told his son's friends to remember him when they get into a car.

Todd Wiltshire was farewelled by hundreds of family members and friends at his old rugby league club, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, in Whangaparaoa yesterday.

The 25-year-old from Stanmore Bay died in hospital last Thursday six days after the crash on Albany Hill.

His 28-year-old friend, who was driving, was also critically injured but is now in a stable condition at Auckland City Hospital.

At Mr Wiltshire's funeral yesterday, mourners stood solemnly as his wooden boat-shaped coffin - complete with a sail - was brought on to the field.

Garth and Joan Wiltshire held on to each other as they walked to the stage to speak about their only son.

Mr Wiltshire described his son as a hard worker, a respectful son and brother and a loyal friend and partner to his girlfriend Gina.

His love for fishing and for the sea had ultimately led to a career as a boat builder.

"As Todd would say: 'How's it?'

"We will all miss Todd. His smile, his gentle nature and his funny ways," he said.

While speaking of his son, Mr Wiltshire told his son's friends to remember what happened to Todd whenever they were driving or out on the road with others.

"Every time you go out in your car - to go down the road, to work or to play - when you get in that car, I want you to think about Todd. I want you to be careful. Be careful."

Older sister Hayley cried softly as she spoke about her relationship with her "baby brother" and also of the heartbreak of learning of the accident.

"I remember getting a message in class when you broke your arm at primary school.

"I just wanted to get to you to make you feel better. I felt so important in my role as older sister.

"Unfortunately [this time] I couldn't make you feel better."

It was also revealed that Mr Wiltshire was friends with 19-year-old Ryan Gibbons, who was killed when the car he was in plunged off a cliff days before Mr Wiltshire's accident.

They had been teammates in earlier years, playing for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders, where both of their funeral services were held.

A message from Mr Gibbons' mother, Karen Gibbons, was read out by the funeral officiator.

"You join the journey that we are going through too.

"We will always be there for you, as we know that you will be there for us, too. Our deepest condolences go out to you."