Mark Christian Zimmer died after being struck by a Toyota Tarago van in Ormond Road Narre Warren South on Sunday 16 November.By Kelly Yates
HUNDREDS of mourners packed into a Springvale chapel last Friday to pay their last respects to and farewell Mark Christian Zimmer.
The 19-year old Endeavour Hills man died after being struck by a Toyota Tarago van in Ormond Road Narre Warren South on Sunday 16 November.
Mazenod College principal Father Pat Moroney ran the service in the Boyd Chapel, where family, friends and fellow students farewelled their loved one.
Mr Zimmer’s father, Christian, lit the pascal candle, while his mother Ruth and sister Kornelia placed the pall on the coffin.
Father Moroney spoke about the pain and agony felt by the Zimmer family.
“We weep today for Mark and his family,” he said.
Mr Zimmer’s grandmother read the eulogy about her treasured grandson.
“In the early years I’d sing to him and he’d help us in the garden,” she said.
She spoke about Mr Zimmer’s love for his family and his belief that “Life is simple. You make choices and never look back.”
“He was a caring and respectful boy who didn’t have a bad bone in his body,” she said.
“Mark was a gentle giant whose smile lit up the world.”
Mr Zimmer’s sister Kornelia read a letter she had written to her beloved brother.
“How do I go on without you? I miss you already my little big brother,” she wept.
Kornelia blew Mr Zimmer’s coffin a kiss as she placed the letter on his coffin.
Father Moroney said it was always a great tragedy when the life of a young boy was taken so soon.
“It’s hard to grasp the loss of a loved one but someday Mark and his family and friends will be together again,” he said.
Pictures of Mark’s life were shown on screens throughout the chapel as the mourners said their final prayers.
Puff Daddy’s I’ll be Missing You was played as Mark Christian Zimmer’s coffin was lowered.
Homicide Squad detectives have charged 18-year-old Leon Borthwick from Narre Warren with one count of murder.
Mr Borthwick, who lived near the crash scene, appeared in an out of sessions hearing where he was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday 17 November.
