The  funeral was held Saturday for Matthew Anderson in Kerikeri.

The 19-year-old Kerikeri man fell 70 feet on May 13 in the United Kingdom. He died in hospital on May 16.

More than 500 people attended a memorial service held at the Turner Centre at the weekend to honour the young man.

Responding to the community's turnout, his father Graeme Anderson says: "He was absolutely one fantastic little boy, he was not just another kid."

 His father says the young man was a "giver not a taker" and that his legacy can serve to inspire others. The calibre of person that he was can be passed on. A remembrance book with messages from friends to Matthew serves as a reminder of the value that others placed on the man.

The former Kerikeri High School student was remembered as one who treated friends like family.

Mr Anderson was an organ donor. His father says the family takes comfort knowing that despite the tragedy a number of recipients in the UK were helped after his son died.

Mr Anderson was a chef in Brighton. He had been in Britain since July 1 and in Brighton four months. Fifty people attended a service in the UK.

- Bay Chronicle