LAUNCESTON cyclist Will Robinson was remembered yesterday as a young man who loved his sport, his guitar, North Melbourne Football Club and his family.
The life of the highly respected 21-year-old state rider and 2010 Burnie Wheel winner was celebrated by hundreds of people in a moving funeral service at Launceston's Silverdome.
Mr Robinson was tragically killed in a road accident while on a training ride near Cradle Mountain last Saturday.
His family, friends and cycling fraternity mates celebrated a young man described as "loving and giving".
Mr Robinson's godbrother Bradley Smith presented a tribute.
He said Mr Robinson was a modest young man with a big heart and big smile who loved cycling, football, cricket and motorsport.
"Will also loved music and not many people know he became an accomplished guitarist after picking one up at the age of 10," Mr Smith said.
"His pride and joy was a limited edition Fender Stratocaster guitar his family bought him for his 21st birthday."
He said Mr Robinson had left a giant footprint on the hearts of all who knew him.
"We all have every reason to be proud and to celebrate his life," Mr Smith said.
New Zealand family friend Allyson Gofton read a special poem she penned in tribute for Mr Robinson and his family called O Fly My Angel Fly.
His uncle Tony Seymour also spoke of an incredible nephew who had touched the lives of many people.
A photo montage was presented during the service, accompanied by two pieces of his favourite music in Status Quo's Whatever You Want and A Love Eternal by Joe Satriani.
Mr Robinson's father, David, presented a message of thanks on behalf of his son after the tributes.
He mentioned a letter the family had received after his son's death from a Hobart family they had never met.
"We were sitting in the same stand as you all were at Burnie on New Year's Day and noted your son," the letter writer said.
"We enjoyed watching him work on his bike quietly and patiently prepare for his races throughout the day.
"He was so patient with the younger riders, always encouraging, offering advice and praising them.
"We have often spoken about Will since, not that we ever met him - but he had an impact on us and our 16-year-old son who has a passion to become a cyclist.
"We were so impressed by him on the day."
At the end of the service, Mr Robinson's Lawson Homes cycling teammates formed a guard of honour.
Family members and close friends accompanied his hearse on a final lap of honour around the Silverdome track.
•Friends of Will Robinson have launched a support fund for the family.
Donations can be made through the Cycling Tasmania website at www.tas.cycling.org.au.
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