About 1000 people turned out on Friday to farewell a young man described by a mate as "Berkeley's favourite son". That 24-year-old Joshua Smits had touched many people's lives was clear from the cars that crowded the streets at Kembla Grange, the rows of young men arm in arm who lined the aisles, and the outpouring of grief from everyone at his funeral. His friend Zach summed it up in his eulogy. "There was never a dull moment with Josh - no matter what you were doing, he'd always find a way to make you smile and he'd often have the whole room in stitches," he said. "He was Berkeley's favourite son. Everybody loved him - his humour, his morals, his honesty. "He made his mark on this world with his irresistible personality that not only touched us all but also everyone he met along the way." Joshua died on June 24 after falling from a hotel balcony on the Thai island of Phuket while holidaying with friends. A Facebook page was set up, entitled Help Bring Joshy Home, which received 5000 likes. It also helped raised the funds to bring Joshua's body home, and to cover his funeral expenses. His father John thanked his son's mates for their support, which had been such a comfort for him and his wife Liz, for Joshua's sisters Casey and Kellie, and for the many family and friends he had left behind. "The crowd here today shows how much his mates love him," he said. "And I'd like to thank his mates for bringing him home." Mr Smits spoke of a son who was "always looking for a laugh" and who "liked to be the centre of attention". Overcome with emotion while addressing those gathered, Mr Smits could not continue, so finished up simply with the words: "We love you, Josh." The grief was also still raw for Josh's sister Kellie, whose prepared statement was read out. "The tears I've cried for you could flood the earth. I will always hold you in my heart," she said. "I'm going to miss your shining face. I think of you and wonder why." The crowds, both inside the venue and out, had solemnly watched as Joshua's coffin was carried in, to the strains of Birdy's Skinny Love. A guitar and a surfboard were set down against it, as tokens of the things the young apprentice roofer held dear. His love for his family and friends was also evident in the words of those who knew him best and from the video of treasured snapshots that was played.