Heartbreaking send off for Redlynch toddler Henry Spletter

A little boy has been remembered as a fearless and cheeky adventurer who sadly will never know just how much he meant to those who loved him, after he tragically choked to death at a childcare centre.

The casket of Henry George Spletter was decorated in white roses and his favourite toys. Picture: Supplied

A little boy has been remembered as a fearless and cheeky adventurer who sadly will never know just how much he meant to those who loved him, after he tragically choked to death at a childcare centre.

There was not a dry eye as hundreds of people farewelled Henry George Spletter on Thursday at the Heritage Brady funeral chapel in Gordonvale, Far North Queensland.

The 22-month-old got an object stuck in his airway while in care at the Redlynch Busy Bees childcare centre on April 24 before being flown to Townsville for emergency treatment where he died on April 26.

Henry’s little casket was white, covered in roses and surrounded by the toddler’s favourite toys.

Cairns family Aaron and Rachel Spletter with Henry. Picture: Supplied

Mother, Rachel Spletter, stood at the shoulder of Henry’s father Aaron while he gave a short but moving eulogy.

Mr Spletter held back tears as memories of his son’s short life came flooding back.

“We would give anything to hear you laugh again and hear the words ‘no’ and ‘more’,” he said.

“In the midst of our grief we have been surrounded by something extraordinary.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much it means and Henry touched so many lives beyond his own in such a short time.

“Your support has been a bright light in an incredibly dark time.”

Ms Spletter read to the gathering a favourite bedtime story of Henry’s before her brother Greg said a few words.

Henry Spletter died after an incident at a Redlynch daycare centre. Picture: Supplied

“His smile was genuine and cheeky and it would light up the room,” he said.

“One of my favourite memories was to build block castles on the floor only for Henry to knock them down with great delight.

“Henry may not have been here long enough to speak his gratitude but I know he felt the love of Rachel and Aaron.”

Henry’s uncle imagined what could have been if the little man had grown up to be a man.

He said he imagined an expert fisherman who would have stood his own while being considerate, brave and acting with integrity.

“Although we will never know,” he said.

Henry Spletter with parents Aaron and Rachel Spletter. Photo: Zeb Paulger

On the grief and darkness enveloping the parents since Henry’s passing, the uncle eloquently made poignant comment.

“The depth of your sorrow is not a weakness, it is its sign of the depth of your love,” he said.

“Rest in peace little man. You are loved and always will be.”

At the end of the service children blew soap bubbles into the air in a symbol of the fragility and fleeting nature of life before attendees scattered flower petals over the casket.

A wake was later held at the Red Beret Hotel in Redlynch.

A crowd-funding appeal set up to help parents on Thursday had raised more than $139,000 in a remarkable show of community support.

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Originally published as Heartbreaking send off for Redlynch toddler Henry Spletter