Thomas Kelly, who died after police say he was king-hit by a Seven Hills male, was farewelled in an emotional ceremony today.
Thomas was a determined, courageous young man whose life was cut tragically short, his father has told mourners at a funeral service at his former school, Parramatta's The King's School.
Watch a video shot in front of the memorial service, shot by Carlos Furtado today, below:
He was a courageous boy in both his life and his death.
The more I knew him the more I was in awe of his sheer determination Mr Kelly, 18, died after being punched while on a night out in Kings Cross a fortnight ago.
"Thomas was a courageous boy in both his life and his death," Thomas’s father Ralph told the service at The King’s School, North Parramatta, today.
"The more I knew him the more I was in awe of his sheer determination."
Mr Kelly also read out his son’s final email, sent on July 6, the night before he was fatally attacked.
There will also be speeches from Mr Kelly's friends and an address by the Reverend Stephen Edwards at the picturesque chapel in the school grounds.
Mr Kelly, whose death sparked fresh debate about safety in Kings Cross, graduated from the $24,000-a-year school in 2011 and his parents told a press conference last week that the young man's life was just taking off.
His younger brother is a current student.
Friends and relatives began arriving outside the chapel from 10am.
Mr Kelly's father, mother and siblings arrived in a silver Volkswagen just before the service began.
Up to 400 people were expected to attend the funeral.
A black hearse arrived carrying Mr Kelly's coffin, which was then carried inside the chapel by six pallbearers.
A large sign simply reading "Thomas Andreae Kelly" was erected near the school gates.
Earlier, King's headmaster Dr Timothy Hawkes said students were still reeling from the death.
"We are left wondering if it could just happen to any of us," he told the Seven Network.
"It struck deep into my heart. It struck deep into the heart of The King's School community and we miss Thomas."
Kieran Loveridge, 18, is charged with Mr Kelly's murder.