Mourners gathered on Monday morning at Mitchell's Norwood Park to bid a final farewell to Ryan Riethmuller, who was dressed in shades of blue and wearing his favourite The Simpsons socks.
For those who didn't know the 39-year-old closely, the raw, emotional tributes from family and friends left few dry eyes in the room.
Mr Riethmuller was one of two cyclists who died after a horrific crash on Gungahlin Drive on August 27. A car struck a five-member group from the Canberra Bilby Triathlon Club, killing his riding partner, 32-year-old Bridie Lee. Mr Riethmuller succumbed to severe head injuries in hospital on September 3.
Remembered as a truly multi-hatted figure, Mr Riethmuller was a champion line dancer and a successful accountant, but above all, a devoted father and beloved husband.
Heartbroken Canberrans gathered alongside his wife, Jessie, and their children, Nevaeh, 13, and Noah, 10. Members of the local cycling community, his line dancing teammates, and colleagues from the accounting fraternity filled the chapel to capacity.
His brother-in-law, Danny Summerell, emotionally recalled the day his sister first introduced Mr Riethmuller to the family.
"He looked like a 12-year-old. Our family fell in love with him. He was always just a laugh," Mr Summerell said tearfully. "To say you will be missed is an understatement. Thank you for everything you have done for Jessie."
Other family members fondly recalled the Canberra cyclist's deep love for The Simpsons, recalling his vast collection of memorabilia and iconic novelty socks.
Friends from his dancing family described him as a man who was both "interesting and interested".
"He was not a spectator on the stands but a player in the field. He genuinely cared for others," one teammate shared. "We have lost someone who meant more to us than words can say. A trusted financial adviser, a father, a husband and a son."
Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment came from his young nephew, who remembered his uncle teaching him how to play basketball and fixing his bike.
"You were taken away doing what you loved," the boy wept.
A fellow dancer touchingly brought the service to a close, calling out: "Please welcome to the stage one last time: Ryan Riethmuller."
Bridie Lee will be laid to rest at a private service in Perth on Monday, September 21.
ACT Policing continues to investigate the crash. As of Monday afternoon, no charges have been laid.
