Family and friends of 25-year-old Tom Coombes, who was killed in a Mount Albert homicide last month, remember him as "a young man who followed his dreams".
Tom Coombes. Photo: Supplied
Coombes, 25, was found dead in Roy Clements Treeways, in the Auckland suburb of Mount Albert on 24 May.
Police have since arrested a man and charged him with murder.
His family has said his life was taken from him, and from all of those who love him, in a "cruel act of violence".
Tom's family have since released a statement celebrating his life, detailing a large gathering of people who came together to pay their respects.
The Coombes family said 700 people had gathered at Wainamu, Te Henga (Bethells Beach) to mourn his death.
Growing up in Te Henga surrounded by the raw beauty of the West Coast, Tom was described as a lover of the outdoors.
The Coombes family said his passion for biking, surfing and photography had seen him develop friendships throughout many communities.
Known for his kindness, compassion and humour, people travelled from as far as Australia to pay their respects.
"Tom was a young man who followed his dreams, and we want his life to inspire other young people to do the same," said Rowena Coombes, Tom's mother.
At the packed funeral, Tom's parents Rowena and Murray Coombes addressed the crowd, voicing their appreciation for the work of police.
"We can't speak highly enough of the police.
"We want the public to know what an incredible job they have done.
"They deserve a lot of recognition," Murray said.
"The way they have run the case and their ongoing support has brought us calm and comfort as we cope with the loss of our son.
""We never had any doubt they would solve this case and we are grateful that the alleged perpetrator is off the streets and the public is protected," Rowena said.
A still image from a short film played at Tom Coombes' funeral. Photo: Brendon Dixon
The family recognised the trauma surrounding Tom's death was widespread and affecting various communities, including Mt Albert communities, AUT staff and students, his friends, colleague and the tightknit community in the Bethell's Valley
Tom was also a well known member of the volunteer firefighters in Waitākere, with his brigade turning out in full force on to marshal and support the guests arriving at Bethells.
Te Henga local writer Annette Lees, who has known Tom throughout his life, was the celebrant at the funeral.
"Everyone loved Tom. He was a super supportive best mate.
"He'd always turned up to support a special event, perhaps fashionably delayed a little, but always there."
Lees delivered a moving eulogy to the community.
"Tom was the original enthusiast, always up for trips and adventures and if there wasn't anything happening, he'd make it happen. And no matter how bad things actually were, for Tom they were great.
"Hey browse, how good!' were his signature words.
"His friends have told me Tom could cheer up a brick wall. He could talk up anything and make everything extremely exciting and fun.
"People wanted to be with him."
A still image from a short film played at Tom Coombes' funeral Photo: Brendon Dixon
A natural talent on a bike in his teenage years, the Coombes family recalled that Tom would race against city kids "with all their resources" and invariably win through his sheer commitment.
"He was an amazing rider of great style and speed with a dedication that took him to competing at a national level. He became one of best in the country in his age group.
"He would regularly win against cyclists who are now in the top 10 world circuit," the Coombes family said.
After completing a building apprenticeship with his father, Tom had dived into his passion for photography, studying the subject full-time at AUT.
Tom's friends described him as being at his most happy in the last year as he had met the love of his life.
The Coombes family said his creative work was gaining recognition and he was working to build a future with his partner.
The family said the community at Te Henga had responded to the tragedy of Tom's death in the way they believed Tom would want them to - with aroha, unity, and hope.
