Southern Beaches captain Mitch Gibson has been remembered as a "kind and caring man" who loved his family, friends and footy.
Gibson, who died suddenly late last month, was a man of many talents and depth. His passion for music, science, the outdoors and a good time were all detailed by family and friends at a memorial service on Wednesday at the rugby club's home ground in Gateshead, where hundreds turned out to farewell the 30 year old.
With his playing jerseys strung from the clubhouse, and a South African flag and a guitar adorning a tribute wall, a string of speakers including his partner, mum and dad, brother, mates and teammates shared memories of the Mitch they knew.
Gibson's mum, Sharon, used the letters of his full name - Mitchell - to express some of his best qualities and favourite interests.
M was for musician and mateship. "Music played a central role in Mitch's life," she said, recalling how he took piano lessons as a child, then learned the saxophone, guitar and keyboard.
"A favourite memory is of him and [daughter] Lilly dressed in matching pyjamas jamming."
I was for his intelligent and inquisitive mind.
T was for his tenderness, perhaps best represented by how he found his "calling" in recent years working in disability support.
C was for his charm and cheekiness, and also his former job as a carpenter
"He has left his mark all around town where he has helped friends build decks or renovate," Sharon said.
H was for help and hugs. E was empathetic. L was loving and loveable.
The second L was for his leadership qualities, which Sharon said he had from a young age.
A house captain at school as a child, he finished life as not only the captain of his rugby team, but a highly regarded team leader with Koiop Connect, an Indigenous disability support provider.
"Mitch was someone always giving back to the club, always up for a chat with those in need and a regular at juniors training," Southern Beaches vice president Michael Delore said.
"You could regularly find Mitch manning the barbeque or running the lines."
Delore said Gibson was a leader with his actions more so than with his words.
"He was an absolute motor on the field," he said. "He was also a fair stayer on the beers.
"I've never seen him give anything but his best."
Gibson's brother Brad read a series of tributes from overseas or interstate family and friends unable to attend.
By the time he was done, Southern Beaches players and officials had handed out cans of beer to almost everyone in attendance, to which Brad simply asked: "In honour of Mitch, finish it."
Gibson's partner Alana brought their one-year-old daughter Lilly Ann to the stage, along with the couple's dogs and parrot.
She read the last Valentine's Day card he had sent her and a Christmas note he wrote Lilly Ann.
"He was a man of few words, but when he spoke you could feel the deep passion coming from him," she said.
"I know you will be beside us every day."
