By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A FRIEND of Jason Breakwell fittingly quoted James Dean at his funeral yesterday, farewelling a young man who lived each day to the full.
“You are who you are meant to be. Dance as if no one’s watching. Love as if it’s all you know. Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”
Hundreds piled into the Gembrook Community Centre yesterday morning to farewell the 18-year-old, who was killed when the car he was driving ploughed into a tree on 30 June.
Passengers Sharn Walker and Felisha Allen also died, while Jake Mitchell survived with serious injuries.
Jason’s sister Lauren and brother Mark spoke adoringly of their little brother, Lauren sharing stories she had saved for his 21st birthday.
“Although he was younger than us, he was smarter than both of us put together,” she said of Jason.
“I cannot begin to tell you how much we will miss you. Never will our family be whole again.
“I will think of you every day and smile. We love you so much Munchkin man.”
Friends Max, Riley and Tom spoke of Jason’s sporting prowess.
“Jase was great at any sport he tried.
“He was always behind us when we needed him and he would always win a one-on-one contest.”
They also shared memories of a loyal friend who loved to spend time with his mates.
“He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave the party.”
Those gathered watched a slideshow of photos featuring a joyful Jason pictured with family and friends. Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Young and Wild and Free’ was fittingly chosen as the backing music to celebrate a life lived with passion.
His mum Narelle read a poem and dad Greg acted as a pallbearer.
The service was eloquently opened by Reverend Jim Pilmer, who shared an important message with those gathered. Like Jason, many would have started driving only in the last few months.
“A car is not a toy. It’s a weapon and a very lethal one.”
He encouraged all drivers to consider the consequence for their actions behind the wheel of a car, but said the occasion was not about laying blame.
Jason’s immediate and extended family, girlfriend and the president and coach of the Under 18s side at the Emerald Football/Netball Club all lit candles in his memory.
Pink candles were lit for Felisha and Sharn, a symbol of solidarity between the families.
Mourners formed a guard of honour as the hearse drove away, and friends were left to console each other.
The funeral of Sharn Walker will be held today.
