Nick Lowden remembered as a fun friend who could put a smile on anyone’s face

A well known sports star and “great mate” who got his start at a Gippsland club has been farewelled at a moving funeral service.

Nick Lowden, 23, is being remembered as a “great mate”. Picture: Cory Sutton

Update: A well known sports star and “great mate” who got his start at a Gippsland club has been farewelled at a moving funeral service.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the St Michael’s Parish Church in Traralgon on Wednesday to remember “footy icon” Nicholas Anthony Lowden.

Known as a talented, fun friend who always put a smile on everyone’s face, the church filled quickly with family, football mates, coaches, teachers and the local high school principal.

Dad Tony Lowden said he wished he could turn back time.

“I hope you’re kicking goals in heaven,” Mr Lowden said.

Mum Kerry said she was very proud of her son and he had the same sense of humour as her.

“I’ll carry you in my heart forever,” Mrs Lowden said.

Nick was “strong, stoic .. but your deep and sensitive side too”, she said.

Family and friends gather for the burial of Gippsland local Nicholas Lowden after his sudden death. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“I will always be in awe of you my beautiful son,” she added.

Nicholas’ sisters Chelsey, Elena and Cailin, in their eulogies, thanked their sibling for their childhood memories, his cheeky smile and his tight hugs.

“I hope wherever you are, you are free of pain and suffering,” said Cailin.

“You will always be alive in my heart.”

Friend Michael Gaudiano said Nicholas was one of the most genuine people he had ever met.

Nicholas Lowden as a child.

Nick Lowden

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Last week: A well known and much loved football player will be remembered in Gippsland next week following his sudden and tragic death earlier this month.

The community has been left “devastated” after the sudden death of footy star Nick Lowden who passed away suddenly on August 3 in South Australia.

The Traralgon Football and Netball Club posted a tribute to the former player on social media where they said they had lost a “great mate”.

“Nick was loved by many at the club, and our hearts and prayers go out to Nick’s family and his friends,” the tribute read.

“There are no words that could ever make this feel okay. Get around each other, take care of each other, and reach out and talk to someone. You’re never alone. Good times and dark times, we stand together.”

Nick Lowden at the Traralgon Footy and Netball Club.

Others who took to social media to express their sadness remembered Mr Lowden as a “polite” and “outstanding young man”.

Mr Lowden will be remembered in a service in Traralgon on Wednesday.

Nick Lowden with his Traralgon football team.

“Will be sadly missed by his “huge” extended family,” the funeral notice reads.

The 23-year-old played for Norwood in South Australia and the club said they were “deeply saddened” by the passing of Mr Lowden.

Mr Lowden made his SANFL debut at Norwood Oval in Round eight last season and played 22 League games for the Redlegs across 2022 and 2023, including last year’s premiership win.

He was recruited by Norwood from the Casey Demons in the Victorian Football Club.

He previously played for the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL and junior football for the Gippsland Power in Victoria.