Only hours after Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney's short life was remembered at a military funeral at a Brisbane church, his wife Beckie gave birth to their son Noah Jared MacKinney.
The 28-year-old's father-in-law, senior police officer David Smallbone, had earlier called the soldier a wonderful, loving husband.
"We all remember Jared's great sense of humour and cheeky grin, but his entire face would smile at the thought of Beckie and his princess Annabell, as well as the impending arrival of his little man," Mr Smallbone told about 700 mourners as rain fell outside the Ashgrove Baptist Church.
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Jared was a wonderful, loving husband and a hands-on dad and he brought his energy and zest for life into every living moment with his family, he said.
"I could not have hand-picked a more perfect son-in-law. We will always hold the memories close to our heart."
Mr Smallbone also delivered a poignant message to Lance Corporal MacKinney's comrades from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, which has lost four soldiers in Afghanistan this year.
"It's OK to be sad fellas," he told them.
"Hold your heads high and be proud because that's what Crash would've wanted."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston were among the mourners who watched as pallbearers from the 6th Battalion carried Lance Corporal MacKinney's coffin, draped with an Australian flag and a Digger's hat resting on top, into the packed church to the sound of bagpipes and a drum.
The Lance Corporal also has a three-year-old daughter, Annabell, with wife Beckie.
Lance Corporal MacKinney is the 21st Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan.
His widow says their son will will never get to meet his father but he'll come to know him for the incredible man he was.
