Life of Geelong teenager Mark Kufe, 19, celebrated at emotional funeral service

A Geelong teenager killed in a tragic car wreck has been remembered as a “shining light”, with his family left reeling by the loss of their “little Marky boy”.

Maylene Sutherland has been left heartbroken by the loss of her son, Mark Kufe. Photo: Supplied with permission.

A Geelong teenager killed in a car wreck has been celebrated as a “shining light” and a “true friend” among heartbroken family and friends.

Mark Kufe, 19, died in a car crash on Point Henry Rd in Moolap on October 24.

His sudden death sent shockwaves across the Grovedale and greater Geelong communities, who stopped to pay tribute to the talented dancer at a packed funeral service on Monday.

His devastated mum, Maylene Sutherland, said she was proud of the person her “little Marky boy” had become before his life was tragically cut down in his prime.

Mark Kufe was killed in a car accident in Moolap. Photo: Supplied with permission.

“What a wonderful young man you are,” she said.

“Polite, kind and shining.”

Fighting back tears, she spoke eloquently and with humour of how her son would “dance everywhere.”

“He danced to the toilet, he danced in the kitchen. He danced in the backyard,” she said.

“He loved to chat. He would talk about anything, he was good at that.

“It was a privilege to be his mum.”

Mr Kufe was a keen footballer, leaving a lasting impact at the Grovedale Tigers football club.

He also loved Collingwood.

His best friend, Dia, a staunch Geelong supporter, told the packed hall it was the only time she would utter the word “Flagpies”.

Mr Kufe’s casket was draped in his beloved black and white.

“His presence was captivating,” she said.

“He somehow made the sky seem even more vibrant than it was.”

Mark Kufe as a loved member of the Grovedale Tigers. Photo: Supplied with permission.

Friend Harry Moran, said his mate was the “definition of a true friend” who would often comment “if bro is winning, I’m winning.”

“He was always there for anyone,” he said.

“He just loved everybody.”

Dance Works Geelong teacher, Yana, said Mr Kufe was a talented and much loved student who enrolled at the school 11 years ago.

It would become one of his life’s true passions.

Mr Kufe was admired by all who knew him. Photo: Supplied with permission.

“My memory of Mark when he first started with us was he was a shy child,” she said.

“He was hard working, funny, a passionate dancer and above all, he was a caring friend to others in his classes over the years.

He began to flourish as a dancer in 2018 and had started taking his own class before tragedy struck.

His “beaming smile” will never be forgotten.

“It was a smile that could light up any room,” she said.

“The remedy for tragedy is community.”

Originally published as Life of Geelong teenager Mark Kufe, 19, celebrated at emotional funeral service