It was only in June when Adrian Heber and Chantelle Brown discovered they were expecting another baby.
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But Adrian – killed in an industrial accident in Wodonga last week – will never get to meet his fifth child.
His best mate, Coenan Murray, spoke eloquently of Adrian’s unconditional love for their children: Loralie, Tahlia, Ebony, Isabelle Rose and Makaila.
“There was a lot of joy and happiness when they found out,” he said.
“Adrian was over the moon. He was secretly hoping for a little boy, but didn’t mind either way. He loved being a dad – but due to a tragic accident, Adrian will not get to see or know his little boy.
“We all know this baby would’ve been loved as much as all the other children, because he loved each child equally - Adrian’s family meant the world to him.”
Celebrant Barry Young underlined Adrian’s age – only 33 – as a tragedy.
“Our grief and sorrow is all the more painful by the passing of such a young man,” he said.
“When the elderly depart, we recognise the natural change, it feels normal. The end of a lifespan encompassing all that it was to be given and achieved. But the passing of such a young person shocks us, particularly as Adrian had so much to give.”
Born in Wodonga in 1983 to Ken and Vernice, Adrian grew up with his siblings Melinda, Tina, Gregory, Brad, Steven, Justin and Sharni.
Spending most of his life on the Border, Adrian attended North Albury Public School before James Fallon High School.
Remembered as a committed employee with a strong work ethic, Adrian begun his career as an apprentice at Lake Hume as a groundskeeper.
When it closed, he went to Frauenfelder Gates where he stayed until 2005, before briefly moving to Melbourne for six months. Upon returning to the Border, he went back to Frauenfelder Gates before working at SJ and TA Structural.
Aside from raising his children, and working hard to support them, he completed many courses in between jobs.
His brothers Brad and Steven remembered their sibling as as a gentle soul who would see the best in people, but, if crossed, would stick up for himself, friends and family.
It was clear Adrian’s character had impressed upon many in the more than 200 people who attended his funeral.
He had a strong love of the outdoors, especially four-wheel-driving and camping.
Still shocked, his SJ and TA Structural colleagues formed the guard of honour as Adrian was farewelled for the final time.
