Julius Lunanga has been remembered as a selfless young man - who, on the same day last month that he learned of his grandmother's passing, stopped to help a couple change their tyre when no one else would.
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More than 100 people attended a vigil at Noreuil Park for the 18-year-old, who is yet to be recovered from the Murray River after disappearing on Christmas Day.
The anecdote of the young man was shared by Jason Mannering, pastor of Gateway Life Church where 'Jules' attended.
"That's how generous a soul he was," he said.
"Julius was a much-loved member of the Gateway Life Church; he joined the youth ministry program three years ago at the age of 15.
"With the call on Christmas Day of this tragic news, my heart broke ... all of our hearts are breaking."
Pastor Mannering thanked emergency services and volunteers, and all those who have donated to the gofundme for the family.
"You being here matters and makes a big difference to Tamitunda, the mother of Julius, and his sisters," he said.
The connections Julius made in just three years after arriving on a humanitarian visa in March, 2018 were demonstrated by the wide-ranging membership of the vigil by the river's banks.
He was known through sporting teams, Wodonga Senior Secondary College, Wodonga Tafe, and places of employment including Coles and the Twin City Truck Centre.
Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau case managers Edwina Willett and Diana Elliott spoke on behalf of the bureau.
"I've been thinking long and hard about the message Diana and I would like to send," Ms Willett said.
"Our message is ... our multicultural community within Albury-Wodonga is loved and supported.
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"I think it's evident tonight.
"It is going to be a very difficult period of time moving forward given the disappearance and loss of Jules (and) will continue to walk alongside you."
After song and prayer were observed, flowers were thrown into the Murray by attendees, led by the grieving Lunanga family.
The Border Mail received permission to attend.
