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PORTIA McPHAIL
A tearful ceremony mixed with bursts of laughter was held yesterday morning for Portia McPhail, one of the seven victims of the Mangatepopo tragedy last Tuesday. Members of the public joined family and friends to farewell the 16-year-old, who was described as a special girl
who was always smiling.
Her mum Nadia spoke of the love she shared with her "baby girl" and the "awesome memories" she has from their girls' days out, shopping together and movie nights.
"Thank you baby girl for being so loud," Mrs McPhail said.
"She [Portia] was a gracious person. I have no regrets and have peace in knowing we have no unfinished business.
"My sweet babygirl, you so rock babe. Keep rocking in heaven sweetpea."
Older brother Jon spoke fondly of his sister, chuckling when he told of how he was always looking out for Portia, especially when it had to do with boys.
"It was this wondering that got me deleted on her Bebo page. I was only doing my brotherly duty."
Guests laughed as a video presentation made by Portia's father was screened, showing the bubbly teenager lip-synching with close friend and fellow victim Natasha Bray. Tears flowed as the music slowed and pictures of Portia with her family and schoolmates were shown.
Friends told of an empathetic and understanding person, with a wonderful ability to relate to people; while her father Paul called her by his special nickname for her: Minnie, on account of her being so skinny as a baby.
"I don't know how I'm going to cope without my Minnie. If you could measure the pain I feel it would be ten out of ten.
"But the love I have for Portia is worth a million. I'm the luckiest person alive to have had you as my daughter."
TOM HSU
Tom Hsu, the young man with cerebral palsy who was among those who died at Mangatepopo last week, has been described as "disabled but not disabled".
Yesterday, up to 300 guests gathered at the Howick Baptist Church at a service which followed fellow victim and schoolmate Portia McPhail's funeral.
Teachers and friends told of a lively, genuine and funny boy, who was constantly encouraging his friends.
Survivor Kish Proctor, who was in the same group as Tom at their school trip last week, told of his friend's courage and will.
"We had to climb a great ladder. Tom was above me and I started to get cramps and things, I was very tired.
"But Tom said: 'Come on Kish, you can do this. This is my goal, I wrote it down. We can do this'."
Kish said if he were to describe Tom in three words they would be "courage, strength and perseverance".
"It was a privilege and an honour to know him. He was my brother."
Tom's parents Hsiu Chuan Chen and Wenjen Hsu thanked his friends and classmates for their love for them and their son.
Guests got a glimpse of Tom's sense of humour and genuine nature when a video of a heartfelt testimony he made at a camp last year, was shown.
He said: "Hey, maybe some of you guys know me. I'm Tom. But don't get me confused with Tom Cruise - I'm better looking.
"I always asked God, why? Why am I so different? Do I really need to care about what others think of me?
"God loves me, he made everyone different."
NATASHA BRAY
Pink flowers of various shadessurrounded a simple white coffin yesterday, as family and friends of Natasha Bray gathered to say goodbye.
The 16-year-old's funeral at Elim Christian College was the last of the day, following those of classmates Portia McPhail and Tom Hsu.
Family and friends paid tribute to the teenager, telling of an inspirational, bright young woman who was also "crazy" at times.
Her younger brother Ben spoke of his "amazing friend" and sister whom he would miss so much.
"She always seemed to know when I needed a hug. She did have a couple of flaws, though. One - getting annoyed at me. But whose fault is that?
"I'd heard that God always takes the best ones. I know now that's true. I love you, Tash," he said.
Guests heard about Natasha's aim to become Elim's head girl next year, her delight in writing letters to loved ones and a passion for reading.
Her father, Andy, said one of her favourite stories as a child was Beauty and the Beast.
"She started saying the parts of Beauty. Guess who had to be the Beast?"
Mum Nikki spoke of her "Little Miss Positive" and revealed something Natasha had only recently shared with her.
"She showed me her wardrobe, with prayers she'd written inside.
"One prayer I found in her journal said: 'God, please give me humility so I can be wise'."
Friends spoke of Tash's love for them, always giving them words of encouragement and her love of making others happy.
One friend said: "When Tash smiled, you smiled. When Tash laughed, you laughed.
"Thanks Tash. I'll love you forever."
