DETERMINED, courageous and an inspiration were all common themes as friends and family shared their stories at the memorial service for Jared Dunscombe on Friday.
Hundreds of grievers turned out to the Peninsula Country Golf Club to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of the Cranbourne Rotary Club member who was tragically killed on Friday 22 February.
There was a sea of fluoro yellow tops in the crowd with the words ‘Ride to Conference’ across the back – worn by Mr Dunscombe’s fellow participants in the charity event that he was taking part in when his life was cut short.
Mr Dunscombe, 31, was killed when he fell from his bike while taking part in the 600km cycling event and was struck by a truck and trailer travelling in the same direction.
Mr Dunscombe had once beaten the odds to live after he was hit by a car when he was seven-years-old and doctors gave him no chance of survival.
He defied medical odds and not only survived but went on to live quite a remarkable life, never letting a few physical problems he faced as a result of the accident get to him.
A number of family and friends shared their stories at his memorial service including John Miles and Al Forsyth, from Executive Excellence, who led Mr Dunscombe when he completed the Kokoda Trek.
The men both said they had many people come do the trek, but Mr Dunscombe was one of the most determined they had seen.
“He made a difference to our lives just seeing his determination,” Mr Forsyth said.
Mr Dunscombe was also involved in a group named TRAG – Teenagers Road Accident Group – which saw him go around to schools and spoke to students about the dangers of modern driving.
Tim Nolan, from TRAG, also spoke at the service and said that if it wasn’t for Mr Dunscombe their program may never have continued.
Mr Nolan said they needed more young people to get involved when Mr Dunscombe offered help.
“It’s tragic that we will now be sharing his story,” he said.
Mr Dunscombe’s sister Jonelle bought the room to tears as she spoke of her beloved brother.
“After surviving the accident all those years ago, I often reflected on how lucky we were to have Jared as part of our family,” she said.
“I always thought that Jared must have had a special reason to be here and that his life had a real purpose.
“Now, having had him taken away from us so tragically, I can only think that he has been taken away from us so soon to leave this unbelievable legacy for all who knew him or his story.
“Surely, one cannot be anything but inspired and motivated to be a better person by having known Jared.
“For all of you here today, please think of Jared any time you think that life has thrown you a hard time and use him as an inspiration to keep going, don’t put off things until tomorrow, hug your loved ones tightly and make sure that you tell them every day how much they mean to you.
“The mark of a successful life is having made a difference in this world.
“Jared inspired so many people.”
Mr Dunscombe leaves behind his parents Kathy and John, his sister Jonelle and her husband Adam, and nephews Kalen and Makai.
