Daniel Christie's mother Maureen rests her head on son John's shoulder during the funeral service at Hillsong Convention Centre. Picture:: Wolter Peeters Source: Supplied Daniel's father calls on politicians to "stop the insanity" Daniel was bullied in primary school but never retaliated As a child Daniel was a "tubby, happy chappy" Governor General says gratuitous violence "unacceptable and un-Australian." Family pays tribute to social workers, clergy, medical staff, organ donation team DANIEL Christie's father called on politicians to stop the violence as his family shared their memories at a moving memorial service for the teenager this morning at Hillsong Church's Baulkham Hills convention centre. For almost two hours 800 people celebrated the young man they knew as a gentle giant. Governor General Quentin Bryce wiped away tears as she spoke with the family after the service for the 18-year-old allegedly murdered in a "coward punch" on New Year's Eve in Kings Cross. Peter Christie comforts his mother as Daniel's casket is placed in the hearse. Daniel's casket is carried out of the service. Heartfelt eulogies from his family, friends, mentors and teachers were punctuated with his favourite songs, opening with Coldplay's Nothing Else Compares and closing with a hauntingly beautiful Gurrumul Yunupingu song. Daniel's parents and two older brothers addressed the service, describing a gentle soul, with an infectious smile who was always willing to help others. His father Michael appealed to the mourners to seek no retribution or revenge and feel no hate, just love for Daniel. As a child Daniel was a "tubby happy chappy" who was bullied in grade five and six but never retaliated. "Violence was abhorrent to him," Michael said. At 14 Daniel began a remarkable transformation from obese boy into a buff 192.5cm young man of 92kg. Photographs of his life, as a joyful and smiley baby, a tubby tween and a buff young adult triggered laughter and tears from his parents and brothers as they gazed at the "special soul" they have lost. "I cannot adequately express the joy I felt, being Daniel's mother," Maureen said. She described him as gorgeous, delightful, "solid as a rock and as tender as a lamb" who was humourous and quick witted. "He radiated joy and he sparkled," she said. Mother Maureen remembers her Daniel. John and Peter Christie pay tribute to their brother Daniel. Michael Christie asked for Daniel to be remembered with love. Maureen told of how she always encouraged Daniel into the kitchen and he had ambitions of being a chef. One of the last things his father did with him was to prepare his CV for his application to study at TAFE for an advanced diploma in hospitality management. Maureen said she knew Daniel would have succeeded in his career and was so proud that before he died he had earned his first several weeks of proper pay packets. In the closing moments of the service celebrant Susan Garvan sang a song chosen by Maureen, Oh Danny Boy, with its touching refrain, "Oh Danny Boy we love you so." The family urged the community to take responsibility and work to end violence. "The Christie family implores everyone to do what we innately know is correct, respect each other," the family said in a statement. Friends and family gathered to mourn Daniel Christie. And they were joined by hundreds of other mourners. As governor-general and, if I may say, as a parent for all parents, all grandmothers, all fathers and grandfathers, there can be no place, no excuse, no tolerance for gratuitous violence in our society. A table of Christie's belongings were displayed on the stage with a painting of the good-looking blond young man. On the table was a teddy bear, a cup and saucer and a plate he painted as a child. Christie, nicknamed Bone by friends, was remembered as an exceptional young man in the program celebrating his life. On the front of the program is the motto which guided Christie's short life, "If change is to be, it is up to me." Governor General Quentin Bryce hugs Daniel's father Michael. Saying goodbye to Daniel. Friends and family embracing their grief. His name Daniel was painted above the stage backdrop in a vibrant red and yellow graffiti style and a large picture of him doing a fun hokey skip, a beaming smile on his face, was projected next to it. Before the service mourners gathered in front of the coffin, covered in a huge wreath of white daisies and purple irises, to kiss and hug each other, as dance music played. Most of them were teenagers. A funeral attendant carries the portrait of Daniel that was placed on the stage. A private ceremony was scheduled to take place after the public memorial. Daniel's brother Peter before the funeral service. Mourners arriving for the funeral service at Hillsong.