FAREWELL LUKE
HUNDREDS of people gathered yesterday to farewell a young man whose life was taken too soon in a tragic accident.
Family friends, relatives and teammates filled the Lakes Chapel at Morley’s Funeral Home for a celebration of life service for Luke Powell, 15, who was killed in a jet ski accident in Townsville last Sunday.
The “lovable larrikin” was remembered as cheeky, witty, confident and full of life.
Luke’s parents Shelley and Shane, and his sister Kaitlyn showed incredible strength as they found the words to describe their beloved Luke.
“His zest for life was second to none and he made every moment of his short 15 years count,” Shelley said.
“I will never understand why you were taken from us so soon my beautiful boy.
“To have watched you grow and mature over the past 15 years into a beautiful, kind loving young man has been my pleasure and absolute honour.
“Every day I will look for you playing basketball in the driveway when I come home, every day I will listen for one of your funny accents that you do so well.
“I will think about your handsome face and excitement for life every day and I as your mother will burst with joy at the extraordinary person you have become … I love you for eternity my son, until we meet again.”
Luke was born on June 20, 2002, the day before his sister Kaitlyn’s third birthday.
She said he was not just her brother, but her best friend and recalled the times they spent together.
“I remember laughing at 12am on the 21st of June every year because it was my birthday and no longer his,” Kaitlyn said.
“Luke I miss you when something good happens because you are the one I want to share it with … I miss you when something is troubling me because you are the one who understands me … I miss you when I laugh and cry because I know you are the one to make my laughter grow and my tears disappear.”
Luke had a passion for sport, particularly basketball and Australian rules football. His father Shane spoke of the pride he had when he watched his son play Australian rules football and shared memories of shooting hoops on their home basketball court.
The 15- year- old was not a lover of school, but his mother said he had found his niche at Tec NQ; he was to pursue a career in construction and had inspiring dreams his mum was “sure he was going to achieve”.
At least half the congregation were teenagers, with his football club, basketball team, and classmates all paying their respects. Luke’s Thuringowa Bulldogs AFL teammates formed a guard of honour as his casket was carried to the hearse, and finished the service by singing their club song.