Wanganui's Tania McKenzie was farewelled yesterday in one of the largest funerals the Central Baptist Church has ever seen. About 700 people gathered to pay their respects to the slain barmaid who turned 20 the day her body was found in the Whanganui River. Central Baptist Church pastor Rob Thomson said hehadn't seen a bigger funeral at the Wicksteed St church. "It was a very big turnout," he said. The family, like the whole community, were asking why this had to happen, he said. Ms McKenzie's father, brother and sister paid tributes to a loving daughter and sister that would leave "a huge hole in our lives". "Three of her friends spoke about what a lovely person she was to be around, how she was outgoing, fun and loved life," Mr Thomson said. Father Garry McKenzie, brother Nicholas and sister Rebekka McKenzie spoke of the tremendous hole Ms McKenzie's death had left in their lives. "It was a very courageous thing to get up and say something? they said what a good sister Tania was." A former employer sent a card which described Ms McKenzie as a "dynamo in a small body". "They were very complimentary about her abilities," Mr Thomson said. One of the touching parts of the ceremony was when California Dreaming was played to mourners ? it was especially poignant because Ms McKenzie was born in Orange County, California. Mr Thomson said hundreds of butterflies were released at Aramoho Cemetery. "They were a symbol of life.".
