Callum Hardyman (25 Jul 1998 - 2 Apr 2018)

Tribute, read by Tricia at Callum's Funeral.

Today is the most difficult day in my family’s life. We have come together to say farewell to our Son, brother, grandson and friend.

To those of you here that know Callum, you are already aware of the type of person he was and these words you hear are already in your memory.

To those who were not so fortunate, these words will give you a sense of the type of man he was.

Our Son was often described as a gentle soul. He was pure of heart and great sensitivity for the world around him. He had a way with people that made them feel comfortable around him and for those who already knew Callum, he was so talented with his art. He drew amazing pictures that he described as doodles, if anyone wants to see some of his drawings we would be delighted to show you. Before he passed we told him he was now in charge of all the sunrise and sunsets. So when you see one, look up and know it was painted by Callum.

To say Callum was polite is an understatement. Since early years he showed respect and caring for all around him, he also had a sense of humour.

Even through the painful experiences of his hospital stays, the chemotherapy, the radiotherapy, the injections, he never once failed to thank the nurses, HCA’s or anyone else as they assisted him or performed another painful procedure, especially if his favourite nurse would be on shift. Even in his final stages, he tried to cough while he was getting treatment, he gently pushed them aside and covered his mouth to protect them.

When Callum was first diagnosed he was so brave, the Dr’s asked him if he had and questions, he replied “what will be will be”.
As a parent, it was the worst news ever, Callum would just turn to us and say “we can’t change it, so why worry” even near the end he never complained, and asked if we would be ok. Callum's bravery was honourable, he was and still is our hero.

We want to share with you a moment that will stay with us. As you can imagine Callum and I would play jokes on each other, this particular day was early Wednesday morning. We would take him for his appointment, and be waiting in the waiting room, with his tea in one hand and drawing pad in the other. When it was our turn to go in we saw Dr Silveo (we never saw him before this point) and he asked Callum who he had with him. Callum casually introduced us as Frank and Barry. The Dr was a bit confused but continued to refer to us as Frank and Barry, for the rest of the consultation. It continued into the next consultation until we had to inform him Callum was pulling his leg.

We were fearful of loosing you, but we pushed those feelings deep inside, and found delight in the time we had together.

We are grateful for all the memories and moments we shared. You confided your hopes and dreams in us and we encourage you along the way.

We will miss the funny comments, your talks that only made sense to us, but most of all, we will miss your hand holding ours. They will forever be printed on our hearts.

Our physical time with you is over now, so Son, put those hands that we held for 19 precious years on your Brother and Sisters and guide them along this journey until we can hold you again.

We are so privileged and grateful to be your parents, you will always be in our hearts until we meet again.

All Our Love

Mum & Dad

Xxxxxxxxxx

Rest in peace young man XXX

Tricia and family I will be thinking of you today x

I may not of had the pleasure of meeting callum but i know what a amazing, brave boy he was, all our love from kelly, dillon & travie eason xxx

One amazing kid, had a lot of good times when he were learning to drive.
Always had a positive attitude as nothing would deter him, always thought of others before himself- this was typical of Callum! when times were tough and things were challenging callum was the one that said “things happen, but we just get on with things!”
You’ve always thought about other people, now it’s time for us to follow your steps and think of the good times you brought to us. RIP dude.
Steve

R.I.P Callum!
Rest easy now and keep heaven bright and colourful, something I'm sure you will find easy to do with your amazing talent. Love Melissa and kids xx

Callum I will always remember you as the warm and fun boy that I had the pleasure to know. The memory of you standing in front of my Christmas tree - telling me it looked like something out of a movie - will stay with me forever. X x x such a brave man you were x remembered fondly always x