The unbreakable bond of a pair of “fun loving” and “loyal” Geelong mates killed in a tragic car crash has been remembered in an emotion-charged funeral.
The lives of Liam Moreland, 20, and Ben Dines, 21, were celebrated in a moving service on Tuesday, with family and friends told of the powerful impact they had made on all who knew them.
Both were cut down in their prime after a shocking crash on the Geelong Ring Road on March 30.
Jake Hopwood, 20, described as the “third wheel” in the tight-knit friendship, told a packed Tuckers funeral hall he was “shattered they are gone”.
Liam Moreland. Picture: Facebook
“They were me brothers, my trio,” he said.
“We have caused a bit of mischief.
“All I can do now is keep living the dream they wanted to.”
Liam Moreland, often referred to as “Leo”, was embarking on a successful career as a bricklayer with a passion for cars, of which he owned six, before he was “taken too soon.”
His mum, Cassie, said she would miss his beautiful smile “that was contagious” and his “unwavering loyalty” to family and friends.
“The bond we had was instant. You brought so much happiness into our home,” she said.
“Everyone liked you and everyone wanted to be your friend.
“You made the world a brighter place.”
He played his junior football with North Shore Seagulls and Bell Park Dragons before his career was cut short by a knee injury.
He was also a talented cricketer and a popular member of his extended family, sharing a close bond with his many cousins.
Liam and his girlfriend, Jaz. Picture: Facebook
“The impact you’ve had on my life is something I could never put into words,” his sister, Keily Moreland, said.
“You were my best friend. The sibling love and bond we had, not many siblings have.
“I will never forget your smile, Leo.”
His girlfriend, Jaz Matters, said he “lit up every single room you walked in to.”
“It’s the little things that I will remember the most, like dancing in the kitchen,” she said.
He is survived by his mum and sister, younger brother, Coby, and father, Adam.
Ben Dines, who became “like a brother” with Liam after living in the Moreland family home on-and-off over the past five years, was also remembered in a touching tribute.
Liam Moreland and Ben Dines with family. Picture: Facebook
He was a loving young father to his daughter, Navy, and a former karate star.
“Ben was always a happy go lucky sort of chap,” his uncle, Chris Dines, said.
“He was always the life of the party.
“His eyes lit up when navy came into his life.”
His father, Brett, said his son loved to feed animals and playing backyard cricket as a kid.
Ms Moreland, who took Ben into her family home at 16, said “you completed us.”
“We had a bond that was so strong, that we ourselves could not really understand,” she said.
“Living with the loss of you will always fill me with pain.”
Loading embed…