Hundreds of mourners have paid tribute to a cheeky and popular 10-year-old boy whose life was taken in a tragic accident.
Mathew West was farewelled at a funeral service in Albury on Friday following an Upper Murray car crash on October 23.
The 10-year-old, the youngest of three boys in the West family, was remembered as a person wise beyond his years who was passionate about fixing machinery, remote controlled vehicles, jet skiing go-karting and riding motorbikes.
Mathew was born to parents Emma and David in Wodonga on December 5, 2010.
Mathew lived a very full life. He packed a lot into a very short time. He's left a huge impact on our hearts and souls and we will miss him forever
- Mathew's father, David West
As he grew, he was constantly trying to keep up with his older brothers Jack and Tom.
His father said that other than cleaning his bedroom, he was always wanting to help his family on their farm and always looking for his next project to undertake.
"Mathew lived a very full life," Mr West said.
"He packed a lot into a very short time.
"We have been very fortunate to have Mathew in our lives.
"He was the most amazing and caring son and brother.
"He's left a huge impact on our hearts and souls and we will miss him forever."
Principal of St John's primary in Jindera, Brad Moss, said a scholarship would be set up in honour of the qualities he lived by.
"Mathew was always kind, uplifting and a bit cheeky," Mr Moss said.
"He encouraged others around him."
The school, Mr Moss joked, was always much quieter when the 10-year-old wasn't there.
He was remembered as brave boy who was always the first in line to pick up a spider or be a "crash test dummy" while being dragged by his brothers behind a motorbike.
He was known variously as Matty, Pumba, and The Snitch, and played football for the Kiewa Sandy Creek Hawks, wearing the number 8 jumper.
Funeral director Tony Egan said those at the service cared deeply for the family in their loss.
"Even though we are faced with grief, heartache and sorrow, Mathew's memory will live on," he said.
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His mother said his loss had caused pain, but he would forever be in their hearts.
"Thank you for leaving us beautiful memories and sharing that short journey with us," she said.
"I know within our heart that you are watching over us.
"Keen an eye on your brothers.
"Until we can hold you again in our arms we love you, and we love you more."
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