Melbourne teen Cayleb Hough's family and friends have remembered a beautiful young man who loved food, family and fun.
Police are still trying to answer how the sport-loving kid was killed, four months after the 17-year-old went missing.
His remains were discovered in a shallow mineshaft in the Lerderderg State Park in Bacchus Marsh last month.
On Friday, 450 mourners packed Noble Park's St Anthony's Parish - the same church where Cayleb was baptised.
Friends wore the black and red of his beloved Essendon FC while former junior football teammates laid a premiership medallion on the coffin.
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Through tears, Cayleb's aunty Sheila Crespo remembered "a beautiful kid with so much love and affection" who showed a paternal nature from an early age.
"When his four sisters came along, the love he had for them would melt your heart," she said.
"Whenever his little sisters and cousins were with him, he wanted to carry them, hold their hand or push the pram.
Cayleb would have celebrated his 18th birthday on August 13 this year.
"We are all just so shattered and devastated we can not celebrate this big occasion with you and many more that were meant to happen in your life," she said.
Other speakers remembered a boy passionate about cooking - stemming from his Spanish heritage, and insatiable appetite.
After reading the story of the prodigal son, Priest Brian Collins noted that Cayleb left home in early December but was robbed of the chance to return.
Following the funeral service, Cayleb was buried in Springvale.
In the days before his funeral, Victoria Police revealed they had arrested two men in relation to his death.
No charges have been laid.
