This is a tribute from Gabriel’s parents.
GABRIEL Conor Runge was a very proud Australian who was to have celebrated his 17th birthday on Australia day.
This particular national day will be sadder than all others for Gabriel’s family and friends, for on 28 November last year Gabriel’s family received the news of his tragic death in a road accident while participating in a school camp on New Zealand’s north island.
Gabriel’s parents Pamela and Derrick and brother Godwin have been devastated by his early, untimely death just at the time when he was coming into his own, as a beautiful, gentle young man with a lifetime full of adventure and discovery ahead of him.
It was no co-incidence that he was named after the angel “Gabriel” for that is who he was in real life – an angel that shone his light for all whom he touched. He had big brown sparkling eyes and an ever-smiling face full of joy that he shared with everyone in his world.
He was helpful, supportive and always kind and considerate to all he knew. Mum Pamela recalls the ease and grace that he bought to her life whenever she was troubled and the sense of ensuing peace she felt – her everlasting memory will always be of the many, many tender hugs that he blessed her with.
Dad Derrick remembers with fondness the many family movies, camping trips and music and is saddened by the realisation that they will never be the same without their beloved Gabriel.
For his older brother Godwin the bond of brotherhood and sharing the world of all things Tolkien will be truly missed.
Gabriel was inspired by trains, ships and travel and knew more about world geography than even his teacher.
He could tell you the names of the world’s capital and regional cities, the rivers and bays they were located on and even the names and details of the most significant buildings that distinguished them.
It was his dream to travel the world, visiting and exploring big cities and even remote locations to learn their language and culture. He was excited and motivated by every place on earth.
Rarely does one see creativity manifested in so many different media however Gabriel loved dancing and acting and he most aspired to be a world-famous singer. He was a wonderful cook, known among family and friends for his divine chocolate macaroon cake.
Most of all though, Gabriel was inspired and excelled at writing and cartography and had for the last few years been working on a beautifully illustrated fantasy story. It is his family’s desire that from his notes this will one day be completed as a tribute to him.
Pamela, Derrick and Godwin would like to express their heartfelt wishes for healing to all his wonderful young friends involved in the tragedy, who themselves have suffered so much.
They also wish to extend their gratitude for the love, compassion and support from family, friends and the Noosa Pengari Steiner School Community and acknowledge the privacy and respect accorded to them in this most sad and difficult of times.
To Gabriel,
It has been our greatest honour to be your parents and brother and we will love and cherish you forever.
