Tribute to Jarrad ‘Boyza’ Lawrence Purcell Jr

The unforgettable laugh and passion for life and country of Jarrad ‘Boyza’ Lawrence Purcell were celebrated at a moving gathering in Cherbourg after his unexpected death in Longreach.

Jarrad Lawrence Purcell died unexpectedly in Longreach in September.

Loved ones of 31-year-old Jarrad Lawrence Purcell Jr, affectionately known as ‘Boyza’, gathered in Cherbourg on Thursday to celebrate his life, following his sudden death in Longreach on September 26.

Mr Purcell had grown up in Cherbourg, and was born on February 20, 1993 in Kingaroy Hospital.

His family and friends held a beautiful funeral service to honour his life on October 24 hosted by Generation Funerals.

Jarrad was “surrounded by a large and incredibly loving family” with “many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews”.

He is survived by his parents, 10 siblings, and four children and “the strength and love of his family was always a big part of his life.”

“His connection to these communities ran deep and he was cherished by so many across these two places, both in Cherbourg and Woorabinda.

Loved ones of 31-year-old Jarrad Lawrence Purcell Jr, affectionately known as ‘Boyza’, gathered in Cherbourg on Thursday to celebrate his life, following his sudden death in Longreach on September 26.

“His parents were living between Cherbourg and Woorabinda before deciding to visit Jarrad’s aunty in Canberra, then decided to stay there for five years.”

“Jarrad started pre-school in Kingston, Canberra and completed early schooling years there.”

After five years, the family moved to Cherbourg and then settled in Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is where he met his Aunt Robin and her children where he “spent many memorable days together going fishing crabbing and swimming creating lasting memories”.

He soon moved in with his Nan Natalie and Pop Harrison.

His Pop Harrison was a “guiding force in his life and played a big influence on the man he became, which made his mother very proud.

“The loss of his Pop was especially hard for Jarrad.”

Jarrad then chose to live with his big sister while he was in high school.

“While he realised traditional school wasn’t for him, he embraced the role as a teacher for his younger cousins and nephews, teaching them many things.

“He embraced his time on country and had a love for motorbikes, always exploring on his father's motorbike.”

Loved ones carry Jarrad ‘Boyza’ Purcell to the hearse waiting outside the church.

In 2013, Jarrad began his life in Bergen with a new partner, but “decided to stay in Townsville when visiting his sister there who was expecting their first son; and it was there that Jarrad’s love for gardening blossomed”.

“He took great pride in upcycling antique items to add to his garden, spending countless hours looking after it. Watching his garden grow and change brought him so much joy.”

While in Townsville, he worked in multicultural heritage and worked on a range of projects such as revegetating the mangrove system.

“His work on country reflects his passion for preserving the land and passing down cultural knowledge.”

His friendships were described as: “Jarrad had many good friends who were like brothers to him. These friendships were a significant part of his life and they stood by each other thick and thin,” including a very close relationship with all his family.

Friends and family of Jarrad 'Boyza' Purcell getting ready to move him to his final resting place.

Some touching parting words from close family members Krystal, Josiah, and Caleb were, “As we say goodbye we remember that unforgettable laugh and a love of life that Jarrad had.”

“Let us take comfort that Jarrad is now watching over us walking with our ancestors and continuing his journey.

“I hope you’ve found peace and not in pain.

“You were kind, gentle, humble, talented, and unique in your own way, and this is why I loved you dearly.

“You touched so many hearts in the short amount of time everyone knew you.

“You gave everything a go, no questions asked.

“No matter where the boys and myself are in life, I know you will always be with us.

“Thank you for helping through the tough times and showing me my purpose in life.

“My love, it is not goodbye and I will see you later in life.”

Getting ready to transport Jarrad 'Boyza' Purcell to his final resting place.

The gathering of loved ones heard that Jarrad “was a cultural man”.

“He was a man who showed himself, showed his Aboriginality, and showed that he loved the culture he was born into and that is what, we, as Aboriginal people are - we are very special people.”

We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Jarrad He was very loved and will be greatly missed.