Family farewells Berwick man Joshua Powell after Sunshine Coast death

Family and friends have farewelled a 27-year-old Berwick man following his tragic death at a Sunshine Coast leadership retreat.

Joshua Powell's family and friends paid tribute to him in a moving funeral service on November 3, following his death on the Sunshine Coast on October 13.

Loved ones of a Melbourne man who died during a Sunshine Coast retreat have paid tribute to his kind and considerate nature in a moving funeral service.

Berwick man Joshua Powell, 27, was participating in The Commander’s Passage near Currimundi Lake when he died suddenly on October 13.

The Commander’s Passage is described as a Sunshine Coast personal and leadership development retreat, founded by Army veteran Curtis Tofa, with exercises and other drills forming part of the $10,000, three-day event.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the retreat, or anyone involved.

Mr Powell’s funeral was held on Friday, November 3, in Berwick.

The Powell family of mum Venessa, back left, and Elijah, back right with Joshua, front left and Nehemiah, front right.

In an emotional tribute, Mr Powell’s younger brother Nehemiah Powell said they were opposites in many ways but it was like he was missing his other half.

“When he would excel in life, I would fail and vice versa,” he said.

Berwick man Joshua Powell.

“We both worked together in many things, he would generally lead the way and would dream of what he wanted to achieve and I would follow and do the work to get it done.”

Nehemiah said “Joshy” believed in heaven.

“I pray for that to be so, so that I can see you again,” he said.

Mr Powell’s mother Venessa Powell said her oldest son was a homebody who enjoyed online gaming and made friends easily.

Loved ones wrote messages on Joshua Powell's coffin during a funeral service in Berwick on November 3.

“He was a friendly boy and he grew to be a friendly man,” she said.

“Joshua had many quirks, which would drive us crazy, and now how we miss these times.”

Joshua Powell, who died on the Sunshine Coast on October 13, was a kickboxer and online gamer.

She said her son was “always there to lend a hand” except when it came to housework.

“He said to me once that not many people would come to his funeral, but if he could see the number of people here today he would be shocked,” Ms Powell said.

Family and friends gathered for Berwick man Joshua Powell’s funeral on November 3.

“I feel blessed I got to spend 27 years with him.”

Mr Powell’s father, Phillip, said the day his son was born was “the best day” of his life.

He also said that Mr Powell was a kickboxer.

“He was always kind, even when he fought he was kind,” the father said.

Mr Powell’s father said his son believed in god and that there was “peace” in his heart because he knew he would see his son again.

The coffin was adorned with white roses and friends had written messages on it.

More friends added to the messages as music that Mr Powell liked played at the end of the service.

Mr Powell’s burial will take place at Greta Cemetery on Saturday, November 4, where some of Mr Powell’s ancestors were interred.