Stabbing victim was ‘a friend to everyone’
SAM BIDEY THE sister of a man slain in a stabbing that shook a north Queensland community has promised to care for his three young sons and grieving widow, Jaye.
Corey Christensen’s funeral service was held yesterday at the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club at Alva Beach, directly across the road from his family home and around the corner from where he died.
Mr Christensen was remembered as a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle cousin, friend and Brisbane Broncos fan.
His sister, Renaee Lisowiec, fought back tears as she addressed hundreds of family and friends who had gathered to pay their respects.
The service was a celebration of life, with both tears and laughter for the 37-year-old who was fatally stabbed, along with 27-year-old Tom Davey, in the early hours of October 1.
“You were a hardworking, kind, caring, respectful and generous person to all around you,” Ms Lisowiec said.
“When I think of you I think of all the good times. There really never was a bad.
“You were a friend to everyone … most of all you were a person who was loved by everyone.
“I will miss you, I will miss your infectious smile, I will miss your infectious jokes and I will miss knowing you will be here when I come to visit.
“You will never be forgotten Corey — Alva will certainly never be the same.”
Brett Micola said Mr Christensen had been a funloving character with a passion for family, fishing and footy.
“If you met (Corey) for the first time you would instantly like him. He had a gentle nature and never was one for confrontation,” he said.
“I’m sure without a doubt his greatest achievements were his three sons — without Jaye this was not possible, they were a great team.”
Mr Christensen’s passion for the Brisbane Broncos was such that people were encouraged to wear Broncos clothing to the funeral and his coffin was draped in a Broncos flag. “Around this death there may never be answers to all our questions,” Anglican minister Dway Goon Chew said.
“In the face of that, let us open our hearts to one another in mutual comfort and reassurance.”
Dean Webber, 19, was initially arrested in relation to the incident but was released without charge.
Police have said they believe the teenager acted in selfdefence.