Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of dad Robbie Crofts who drowned along with his lover Hayley Holmes at a New Brighton beach.
The much-loved 21 year-old's coffin was carried into the south chapel at Landican Cremetorium on Wirral by six pall bearers, including his tearful father Robert.
Distraught mother Ellen Ann, 60, who kept up hope keen rugby player Robbie was alive during the two weeks he was missing, followed behind.
Celebrant Bill Dawson led the service for Robbie's family and friends, including his two-year old daughter Eva,
Mr Dawson's words could be heard through a loud speaker where hundreds had gathered to say goodbye to tragic Robbie.
"Let's not dwell on Robbie's death, let's remember the Robbie that we loved and who loved us. Robbie at his best. Robbie who was a great friend to many," he said.
Sister Chellie paid her respects to her "fun-loving caring" brother.
She said: "They say they only take the good ones early, well they've got one of the best."
Hayley, 17, and Robbie, who only announced they were "in a relationship" on Facebook three days before they died, had visited Liverpool for the Mathew Street Festival on 28th August.
After returning to Robbie's home in New Brighton in the early hours of the next morning they decided to go to the beach near Fort Perch Rock.
Merseyside Police believe Robbie and Hayley, 17, went swimming but got into difficulty and drowned.
A dog-walker found Hayley's body washed up on the sand at 7am on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
After an extensive search and an emotional appeal for Robbie to return home his body was spotted by Mersey ferry passengers near Birkenhead two weeks later on 11th September.
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