The family of Lindt café manager Tori Johnson has paid tribute to their "beautiful boy," after he was killed during a siege that also claimed the life of 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson.
In a statement issued this morning, the 34-year-old’s family described him as "the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for."
"We'd like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers," they said.
This afternoon, Tori's employer, Lindt Chocolate Café Australia, released a statement on its Facebook page paying tribute to a staffer and friend.
"Tori had been with us at Lindt for just over two years and he was a great ambassador for our company and the store that he managed, which he cared about passionately," the statement read.
"He was a dedicated professional who always built a great rapport with his customers and was much loved by the Lindt team.
"By nature he was a perfectionist and he had a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and people. He was a really important part of our management team in Australia and his loss is absolutely tragic."
Tori Johnson’s former boss Peter Manettas, who managed a seafood restaurant where Tori worked for six years, told SBS his former co-worker was selfless and reliable.
"Tori had a large contingent of people underneath him," he said.
"He had a team of around about 45 people and he was a motivator and inspiration to all of them on a day-to-day basis.
"He was the kind of manager who always put his staff first.
"He was never someone to take credit for all the accomplishments that made, but he was someone to pass that credit onto his team."
The second victim killed in the siege, 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson, was remembered in a tribute issued by the NSW Bar Association this morning.
"Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar," the Association said in a statement.
"She was a devoted mother of three children, and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community. Our thoughts are with her family at this time, including her brother, Sandy Dawson of Banco Chambers."
The Dawson family issued a statement shortly after.
"We are shocked and devastated by the tragic and senseless death of our darling Katrina. She was an amazing woman and the most loving and loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, in-law and blessed with a wonderful circle of friends and colleagues."
Meanwhile in Sydney, hundreds gathered for a memorial service at St Mary's Cathedral in the city for a memorial service to honour the victims.
The service was attended by political leaders including Mike Baird and Malcolm Turnbull.
Leading the service, the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney told congregates at St Mary's Church that he himself had been to the Lindt café a number of times.
A makeshift memorial has also been erected in Martin Place, near the cafe where the siege took place, with hundreds laying flowers and cards at the scene.
