THE family of the young Christian surfer killed by a shark, Zac Young, have issued a heartfelt thank you to the many people who helped them in the aftermath.
Nineteen-year-old Zac was killed in Coffs Harbour when bodyboarding with three friends. Some 1200-plus people attended a service in Port Macquarie to celebrate his life.
The thank-you list includes:
* David ‘Davo’ Malvern, from Christian Surfers and other members of Christian Surfers.
* Darryl Carter, from Youth for Christ.
* Kurt Gillan, Shayden Schrader and Lindsy Isaac, the three friends who were with Zac when he was attacked.
* Hayley Young (daughter-in-law), for her tireless, loving work.
* Gary Young (Kev’s brother), who lovingly reviewed photos and video footage.
* Les Young (Kev’s brother), who reflected on Zac’s life in verse.
* Reg Young and Shirley McMullen (nee Young), Kev’s brother and sister, for their loving support.
* John and Maryanne Parer, from Honour Church and the Hope Shop.
* Fleur and Owen Chambers, from Honour Church and the Hope Shop.
* Michael Wolfe and Zac’s crew at Christian Surfers.
* Steve Covets, from The Point Church.
* Detective Sgt Reid and attending police officers from Coffs Harbour Police.
* Shark biologist Amy Smoothey.
* Sgt Dave Donovan, of Nelson Bay Police.
* Nathan Branch, for the tremendous job in compiling the photo/video presentation.
* Mark Vanderveer and friends from the Honour Church.
* Friends at Grace Church.
* Margo Bennett, for establishing the ‘In Loving Memory of Zac’ facebook page.
* Ky Dures, for his music and song to honour his mate Zac.
* Paul Dawson (Hydro Photography), for his aerial photos of the paddle-out.
* Staff and pupils of St Columbus Anglican School, the venue for the celebration.
* Kate Wood-Foye (Rydges), for providing the venue for family and friends after the celebration.
* Bill Rosendale and Kev’s special friends from the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
* Kristen Nocelli, for her story on Zac at the Beach Mission.
* Hayley Branch and the band Operation Freedom.
* Sandy and Craig Mackenzie, for providing extended-stay accommodation for family members.
* Newman Tech College and Westport High School for their generosity and practical assistance.
* Neighbours Michael and Reece, for accommodation for friends.
* Port Macquarie Independent newspaper, for honouring Zac so accurately in so many ways.
And last but by no means least, the family would like to thank all their other friends and members of the wider community of Port Macquarie.
“For the meals so lovingly prepared for the Young family, beautiful flowers and remembrance gifts – a warm thank you to all,” the family wrote.
You can read the statement in full and how the people on their thank-you listed helped them so much at www.facebook.com/portmacquarieindependent
