Mates' tribute to Mitch

Voysey during an emotional thanksgiving service in Port Macquarie yesterday.

Mitch, 17, was hit by a car in Lake Rd on Friday night and died in hospital the next day.

Innes Gardens Memorial Park chapel was overflowing with Mitch’s family and friends when the teen’s casket was carried in to the sounds of Youth Group’s haunting song Forever Young.

Some of Mitch’s friends – and his boss – paid moving tributes to the apprentice butcher during the short service.

Mourners heard Mitch was a fun-loving character who brought joy to those who knew him.

A moment of personal reflection or prayer was held as the coffin was carried from the chapel.

Mourners lined the road as the flower-covered hearse drove to the cemetery at the site.

The popular teenager was buried shortly afterwards, when a message of love from the Voysey family was read.

Some of Mitch’s friends spoke about their mate after the

service.

“He was a great Aussie bloke, really,” said Nick Martin.

“A great, down-to-earth guy.”

Friend Terri Clarkson said Mitch had been “a funny bloke”.

“He always knew how to crack a joke at the right time,” he said.

Another close friend remembered Mitch as “a real, awesome, kind, loving bloke who was loved by many”.

“[He] always put a smile in your heart. Always knew how

to brighten up your day.”

Mitch left behind his father and mother, Darryl and Debbie, brother Shane, and sisters Melissa, Leanne and Renae.