As the famous song played at Beresfield Crematorium yesterday young adults embraced as they struggled to come to terms with the shock loss of their much loved friend.

Bereaved family, sporting teammates and former teachers were also among the hundreds who gathered at the funeral service to remember the 18-year-old’s life, which was tragically cut short last week. 

Mourners spilled from inside the chapel to the lawns outside that basked in sunshine.

Many people were decked out in the colours of Harry’s rugby league clubs, the Maitland Pickers and Beresfield Bears, others wore the Bunnings uniform of his workplace while his former school at All Saints College, St Mary’s, Maitland, was also represented.

The congregation heard stories about Harry’s many sporting exploits, infectious smile and cheeky personality.

“Harry touched everybody in his life with his enthusiasm,” Joan Gatt said, speaking on behalf of the family.

“He made everyone feel at ease with his kind and generous ­personality.

“He was loved by family and friends, and was well respected throughout the community.”

One of Harry’s best mates Chris Macmillan also delivered a moving eulogy.

“A smile belonged on Harry more than anyone else in the world,” he said.  

“A great bloke and forever remembered.”

Harry’s skipper in last year’s Maitland Pickers under-18 minor premiership-winning and grand final squad Jarrod Smith also addressed the group. 

“It was an honour to have captained you,” he said.

“I look forward to playing alongside you again one day because this is not goodbye, just see you soon.”

Jackson Wells then described his friend Harry as “charismatic”, “big hearted” and “with a smile that lit up the room”.

Photographs from Harry’s life were presented in a slide show while songs such as Forever Young, Tears In Heaven and Thankyou for Being A Friend were played throughout the ­ceremony.

Following the official proceedings, held near Harry’s home at Beresfield and his Tarro primary school, family and friends gathered at East Maitland Bowling Club.

Harry unexpectedly collapsed on October 21 and despite the efforts of medical staff at the Mater Hospital he could not be revived.

An autopsy report delivered late last week revealed Harry died of a ruptured spleen but the cause of that rupture has yet to be ­determined.

Members of Harry’s family attended the Maitland Pickers presentation on Saturday night and thanked club members for their support.

During the last week hundreds of messages have been left for Harry online, which include a tribute wall on the Maitland Mercury website. 

Harry is survived by his father Mark, mother Liz and older ­brother Jack.