Boy killed in lift tragedy was 'a top dude'

Troy Spiers has been remembered as 'a top dude'.

Friends and family of the Oamaru boy who died while playing hide and seek have paid tribute to the well-loved child at his funeral today.

A funeral service for Troy Spiers, an 11-year-old pupil at Oamaru's Pembroke School, was held at the school this afternoon.

Oamaru Intermediate teacher Mike Turner, who will be returning to Pembroke School next year to teach, said he had known Troy since he was 5 years old, Fairfax reported.

Turner said he would miss Troy's "zest for life".

"He was so energetic, he just gave everything a go, just a fun guy to be around. He just cared about everybody, he was a top dude, a beautiful boy, it's very hard to comprehend he is gone," he said.

Fairfax said about 250 to 300 people attended the Oamaru service in the school hall today.

Troy was found dead in a lift shaft last Wednesday while playing hide and seek at his grandfather Dennis Spiers' property in Auckland's Gulf Harbour.

Troy's father, Mike Spiers, paid tribute to his son, saying he was proud to have had the opportunity to be Troy's dad and he was "the best son anybody could wish for".

Pembroke School principal Brent Godfrey also spoke on behalf of the teachers who had taught Troy and, on a lighter note, how he was "always having a chat to his mates on the mat" and "he needed to choose who he sat beside".

Troy was one who had needed "to look more carefully after his belongings", Mr Godfrey said.

Troy's sister Aleisha, 16, shared messages on behalf of Troy's mum Melanie Watson who couldn't make it to her son's funeral due to illness.

Ms Watson's father, Auckland magician Alan Watson, said the news of Troy's death had triggered a medical condition his daughter hadn't been aware she had.

She was hospitalised and on life support after an emergency operation.

However, her condition was improving, Aleisha said.