Sad walk: Gerry Tye, left, carries his son's coffin into the chapel.
Brotherly bond: Tristan Hawkins is comforted by mourners.
Goodbye: Cassandra Hawkins arrives at the funeral. Pictures: Lisa McMahon
Talin Hawkins. Photo supplied.
Talin Hawkins was remembered as a ‘‘bright shining star’’ at a private funeral service at Woronora on Tuesday.
There were many things people loved about Talin Hawkins including his kindness, strength, determination and free spirit, said celebrant Elizabeth Brown.
Family friend Regina Power said when Talin was born six years ago his speedy delivery took everyone by surprise and she feared the midwife would not make it in time.
"Knowing how Talin wanted to make life easy for those around him, it is not by chance he chose to come into this world so quickly," she said.
"When it was time to leave this existence, he gave his family time to spend with him so that they could carry in their heart beautiful memories of their time together."
She said that while Talin tapped into his creative side during the last months of his life with his "magical paintings", he was humbled and surprised by his impact on others.
"Talin's message stretched the corners of the globe as people shared how knowing his story had changed their lives in some special way," she said.
Ms Power read a letter to Talin, from his mother, Cassandra Hawkins, describing him as "unassuming and innocent, yet wise and thoughtful and funny, so funny".
She recalled their morning cuddles in bed and the many kisses he gave her and said he only cried about three times during his battle with the brain tumour that claimed his life the previous Tuesday.
Ms Hawkins said many of Talin's favourite things were white; his toy tiger, white rice, white chocolate, milk and ice cream. "When I was pregnant, a patch of white hair started to grow from my hairline. It's still here. I treasure it; a sign of you always still with me," she said.
Ms Hawkins said she was glad she had time to say goodbye to Talin and recalled their final conversations.
"When I told you that you were dying, you asked, "will I come too?". You asked if one day I will die and could you see me again?
"You dreamed up a giant flying house with animals to take you home. I take no credit that thousands loved you. That's because of who you are."
Talin's father, Gerry Tye, said Talin was "a kind and gentle spirit" who had a "profound effect on all".
He said Talin was always "asking questions, gaining insight, growing up into a fine young man" who would have had "the most amazing life".
"But the future has changed now. The hopes and dreams of this reality are now different but the effect he has had is more than I could in one lifetime," he said.
"This amazing soul has touched the lives of many all over the world, in his dignity and sheer strength."
He spoke of Talin's relationship with his brothers; Kyan, with whom he shared "a bond that will never be broken, not even now'; and Tristan, who "carried Talin when he could no longer stride forward on his own".
Tristan told mourners Talin was the "best brother". "He was always the cutest one. He never screamed or was naughty," he said.
He said he enjoyed their last months together, having Nerf gun fights and watching TV, and loved that he could make Talin laugh "until he snorted".
He spoke of Talin's special bond with his pet rabbit, Flower, who died just days after Talin, and said he was glad Talin died "a happy little boy".
Final farewell comments from family and friends:
Gerry Tye: ‘‘So, my little star, I will not say goodbye, because you have not left. I will not let you go, because you are still here. I will treasure your memory and your guidance. So it is not goodbye, but hello, to a loving warm friend, a son, my son, Talin.’’
Cassandra Hawkins: ‘‘I don’t know how to live without you, so I see you in my heart. I will laugh and cry and still live on, because you are always with me. With admiration, I thank you little one for coming and being my son.’’
Tristan Hawkins: ‘‘I love you and I miss you so much.’’
Elizabeth Brown: ‘‘Every time you see a star, imagine him looking down on us.’’
The Leader welcomes tributes to Talin and his family. Some comments posted do not relate to that, others have been posted by anonymous sources and include unsubstantiated claims which cannot be published.