More than 500 mourners dressed in white have gathered in Brisbane to honour the life of Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, who was killed with his television presenter partner two months ago.
Under grey Brisbane skies and bouts of rain at New Farm Park’s rotunda, the 29-year-old was farewelled in tearful tributes from friends, family, former colleagues and teachers.
Video and photographic tributes played on large screens showed Mr Davies on holiday, enjoying quality time with family and friends, and childhood time stamps.
Mr Davies’ Qantas flight attendant jacket and Sydney Roosters and Sydney Swans jerseys hung alongside the screens.
Video tributes from Rooster Connor Watson and Swan Dane Rampe were played, thanking Mr Davies for his support.
Mr Davies’ profound impact on community, friends and family was clear.
His uncle Derek referred to him as “Lukey Boy”, a common theme in many tributes shared.
“He never had a photo showing his bad side and as we’ve all come to learn, he never had one,” his Uncle Derek said on behalf of Mr Davies’ brother, John.
“Those tender years of us growing up as a family taking care of each other and the bonds we shared as the closest brothers will be my most precious memories.”
Stuart Crichton, who taught Mr Davies in year six at Greenbank State School said the darkness of his death would not overshadow his light, kindness and positive impact on others.
“He was more than a student to us,” Mr Crichton said.
“He had embedded himself into our hearts, and had impacted positively on our pedagogical craft.
“He was cherished.”
Mr Davies, 29, and Jesse Baird, 26, died on February 19 at a terrace house in the inner eastern Sydney suburb of Paddington.
Qantas paid tribute to Mr Davies at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras, featuring his name on the nose cone of a plane in a parade of floats and marchers up Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.
A GoFundMe to help Mr Davies’ family has received more than $75,000 in donations.
His mother Sandra Davies recently thanked everyone, saying Luke was the “kindest soul”.
“Wow an unbelievable $75,000 donated to our beloved, and most beautiful, kindest soul Luke,” she wrote in a post on the page.
“It is with a grateful heart we thank you all sincerely although these words just don’t seem enough for the overwhelming love and generosity both Luke and Jesse have received these past few weeks.”
Mr Baird was farewelled by his family, industry colleagues and friends at a funeral in Melbourne in March, with mourners donning bright colours in his honour.
NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, 29, is accused of shooting the men with his service weapon while off-duty on February 19.
He has been charged with two counts of murder.
The men’s bodies were found inside surfboard bags at a rural property in Bungonia, near Goulburn, about 200km southwest of Sydney on February 27.
Lamarre-Condon was sacked from the NSW Police force in March.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
