There was a poignant mixture of tears and joyful memories as hundreds gathered in St Andrews to remember Pike River mine victim Malcolm Campbell.
The fun-loving 25-year-old from Cameron was described as “very special” and “a true friend.”
Malcolm perished along with 28 others including Perth man Pete Rodger when a devastating series of explosions ripped through the Pike River mine in New Zealand two months ago.
Their bodies have never been recovered.
Among those present on Friday was Malcolm’s fiancee, Amanda Shields (23), whom he was due to marry just a month after the catastrophe.
Also in attendance was Doug White, operational manager of the Pike River coal company and himself an ex-pat Fifer.
The service of thanksgiving, at St Leonard’s Parish Church, included a sombre roll call featuring the names of all 29 men to have died in the disaster.
A “life-affirming” traditional New Zealand Haka was also held, led by rugby coach Jared Tuoro.PoignantThe poignant memorial service, held to coincide with what would have been Malcolm’s 26th birthday, was conducted by the Rev Dr Alan McDonald.
“We remember Malcolm with joy as a true friend,” he said.
“He was raised in the north-east of Fife and went to Largoward Primary before moving on to Madras College.
“From the age of six he was fascinated by motorbikes and raced throughout Scotland and England.”
Dr McDonald said Malcolm had also been a great entrepreneur in his younger years and dreamt of making his first £1 million by the time he was 30.
“I am sure we all remember him as a real character who loved playing practical jokes.
“He was so well known for his mischief that no one would dare to sleep when Malcolm was in the room unless they woke up with shaved eyebrows or writing on their face,” he added.
Dr McDonald said Malcolm had set off for Australia and New Zealand in search of adventure, eventually meeting Amanda, whom he described as “the love of his life.”Friendship”People like Malcolm bring friendship, fun, warmth and beautiful good humour to a world all too short of them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr White said it had been a joy to work with Malcolm at Pike River.
“He was one of a kind,” he told those packed into the church and dozens more listening from the hall behind.
“While at work Malky effortlessly led those less motivated and less experienced when he was on shift the place ran like a well-oiled clock.
“His spirit is alive and well and lives in all of us.”
Mr White said that efforts to find the “root cause” of the disaster which claimed 29 lives were continuing.
“I hope we can ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he said.
“I will never forget Malky.”
Members of Pete Rodger’s family were also among those attending Friday’s service.
Along with a number of hymns, members of the 500-strong congregation also sang Flower of Scotland, a favourite of Malcolm’s.