Friends shattered by loss of adventurous spirit

A man who proudly wore a tinsel wig while doing the Macarena at Big Top Shopping Centre just to make others smile was bound to touch many lives.

STRONG BOND: Lloyd Copper and friend Natalie McDowell with her daughter, Nadia. Picture: Contributed

A MAN who proudly wore a tinsel wig while doing the Macarena at Big Top Shopping Centre just to make others smile was bound to touch many lives.

Lloyd Copper's sudden passing left his University of the Sunshine Coast classmates and closest friends asking how to move on without his adventurous spirit.

• READ: Family devastated after bullying drove man to take his life
• READ: LGBTQI+ services severely lacking on Coast

Best friend of 20 years Natalie McDowell met Lloyd through the LGBTQI+ scene and said she was devastated to lose her partner-in-crime.

"There's one less beautiful soul in the world," she said.

"There was just so much to love about Lloyd. He loved people without judgment. He listened to people and was a really kind-hearted person."

Although Lloyd scarcely spoke of his time being bullied in high school, Natalie knew he was suffering on the inside.

"It just goes to show that what you say to people, even if everyone else is doing it, really makes a lasting impression on their lives," she said.

But Natalie said his moments of darkness were not the legacy Lloyd would leave behind.

"Even from a young age he was always interested in making a difference and helping people," she said.

"I will remember him most for how much he cared and loved people, and him wanting to make the world a better place."

Another friend, Elizabeth Stone, said Lloyd was full of life despite his mental health struggles.

"He had so much positive energy, it was contagious," she said.

"I'm devastated that he's gone and that he decided the pain was too much for him, but I hope now he's at peace."

If you or a loved one need support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.