Jonah Lear: Mourners remember “extremely loving” and “loyal” teenager at moving funeral

The “beautiful life” of a beloved teenager who died at a secluded Surf Coast beach has been celebrated at an emotion-charged farewell, with his family leaving an important message.

Images of Jonah Lear and family from the service book from his funeral, held on December 13, 2022.

The “character and strength” of a beloved teenager who tragically died at a secluded Surf Coast beach has been celebrated among a sea of blue and yellow at an emotion-charged funeral service.

More than 200 mourners were in attendance at the Tuckers Barrabool Hills Chapel on Tuesday for the funeral of Jonah Lear, who was found dead at Point Addis on November 29, just days before his 19th birthday.

Geelong teenager Jonah Lear

His coffin was draped in a floral red cloth, with a basketball, snowboard goggles and framed pictures sitting proudly atop.

The quote “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine” could be seen attached to the lectern in yellow, signifying his love of the beach.

Celebrant Nicole Penning, a family friend since 2006, said Mr Lear had a “shy but cheeky smile” and was known for his gorgeous curls.

Fittingly, rain poured down as the service began.

His unfathomable loss was described as a “nightmare” for his devastated parents, with the heartbreak palpable inside the venue.

The “extremely loving” and “loyal” son and brother lived what was described to the packed chapel as a “beautiful life”.

Jonah Lear, aged 3.

When his mum, Janina, lit a candle and paid tribute to her son there was hardly a dry eye in the room.

She spoke of “a love like no other” – a mother’s love.

“The demons in your head just would not settle, and they lead you away from earth and from us,” she said.
“Take care of us from above. Fly high, my precious boy.”

An “introverted extrovert”, Mr Lear was remembered for his quiet and dry sense of humour, his love of music and his knowledge of everything NBA.

Jonah and Shane Lear.

His sister, Bella, performed a song in honour of her brother called “guiding light”.

“Even when there is no star in sight, you will always be my only guiding light,” she sang.

It was a truly touching and beautiful tribute.

“I have no words to describe this confusing feeling I have,” she said.

“I hope that heaven has the best music, and you can dance to it and be happy.”

A written tribute from his father spoke of the horrific moment he witnessed “a helicopter winch your lifeless body from Point Addis beach”.

It was the same location that had become his “peaceful and quiet retreat”.

Some of the images used as part of the funeral service book for Jonah Lear held on December 13, 2022.

“It’s impossible to breathe or function normally,” he said.

He said his only son’s death had left him “broken into a thousand pieces” and the family’s hearts” torn from our bodies”.

Jonah’s other sister, Lola, said he was a “once-in-a-lifetime” older brother.

“You loved us like no other,” she said.

“You nurtured and protected us like no one ever could.”

She spoke of “fighting each others’ battles” through their shared mental health struggles, saying he would “forever be young, wild and free.”

The service was told Mr Lear’s choice was “heartbreakingly common” among young men, with his parents imploring others carrying “mental burdens” to release them and talk to loved ones.

It was a powerful message.

If you are struggling or need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Jonah Lear: Mourners remember “extremely loving” and “loyal” teenager at moving funeral