Taj Henderson farewelled by hundreds at funeral in Buderim

It was standing room only as hundreds turned out in brightly coloured outfits to celebrate the life of beloved Warana man Taj Henderson after his tragic Teewah Beach death.

Taj Henderson was farewelled at a funeral service in Buderim on June 9.

Beloved Warana man Taj Henderson has been remembered as a passionate soul with a taste for adventure and a loving family member at a heartfelt celebration of his life.

Mr Henderson’s body was pulled from the surf at Teewah Beach on May 28 after he disappeared from his campsite at the Noosa North Shore the night before.

It was standing room only inside the Gregson and Weight Chapel in Buderim on June 9, as a sea of bright colours turned out to farewell the beloved engineering student.

Among the crowd were paramedic colleagues of Mr Henderson’s father, Chris, and a police officer who paid their respects.

Taj Henderson disappeared from his campsite at Teewah Beach on May 27 and his body was pulled from the surf the following afternoon. Photo: Instagram

Close friends of Mr Henderson and his family shared poems and tributes for their mate, who had just celebrated his 22nd birthday days before he died.

One family friend described him as an “outstanding young man, a great friend ... the most loved younger brother and an adored son” whose life was taken far too soon.

Proud parents Julie and Chris, as well as Mr Henderson’s older brothers Kai and Dylan, shared their own touching tribute to their late son and brother, who had entered the world “with a passion for life”.

They shared stories from Mr Henderson’s youth; moments where he stood up for friends and how his infectious energy and enthusiasm would light up a room.

Taj Henderson (pictured right) with his older brother Dylan (pictured left) and their father Chris (middle). Photo: Instagram

He was described as a lover of music, the outdoors, sport and his pets - including his bearded water dragon, Gus, who made a special appearance at the service.

But above all, he loved his older brothers.

“Dylan and Kai have been the centre of his world for 22 years,” Mrs Henderson said.

“From day one, they’ve been best buddies. His playmates, his own sporting team, his partners in crime. Taj loved his bros, and they loved him.”

Mr Henderson would often get confused for his older brothers; something he found amusing, she said.

Taj Henderson’s family embraced each other lovingly as the hearse disappeared from view. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

The family thanked everyone in attendance for their support over the last few weeks.

“Just as Taj loved so many and so much in life, it’s easy to see he was loved by many in return,” Mrs Henderson said.

“Taj was simply a joy to be around. He had an enthusiasm for adventure and a lust for life.

“Tajie, you are the light of our lives. We will love you forever.”

A tree will be planted in Mr Henderson’s name at the University of the Sunshine Coast campus, where he was studying to be a civil engineer, and his workplace have announced something will be created in future in his memory.

A montage of photos and videos of Mr Henderson throughout his life led to a round of giggles and laughs among the crowd.

A guard of honour was formed outside the Gregson and Weight Chapel in Buderim on June 9, as hundreds farewelled beloved Warana man Taj Henderson. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

The montage ended with a photo of the last sunrise Mr Henderson ever saw at the Noosa North Shore, followed by the words “rest easy mate”.

The crowd then lined the driveway of the chapel in a guard of honour to farewell the young civil engineer.

Mr Henderson’s family, including several of their beloved pets, followed closely behind the hearse as it slowly drove away, and they embraced tightly once it disappeared from view.

Mr Henderson’s father Chris then welcomed everyone back to their home and said the celebrations of his son’s life would continue at Your Mates Brewing in Warana.