Northern Territory crocodile wrangler Chris "Willow" Wilson has been remembered by those who loved him as an outback icon and family man.
The 34-year-old died in a helicopter crash in a remote part of West Arnhem Land on Monday last week.
He leaves behind his wife Danielle and two young sons: Ted, 4, and Austin, 1.
Mr Wilson gained an international profile as a cast member of National Geographic's Outback Wrangler, an adventure show set in the remote Top End.
But to the crowd gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre this morning, Mr Wilson was more than an icon.
Hundreds of people attended the service, wearing their favourite cowboy hats to honour Mr Wilson.
The service began outside with paragliders descending from the sky waving flags representing his greatest loves, the Territory and his family.
Family and friends remembered Mr Wilson as someone everyone had on speed dial, the kind of person everyone wanted as their best friend.
Amid the tears, there was also laughter as family and friends shared their most treasured memories and celebrated his legacy of living life to the fullest.
"There will never be another Willow."
Mr Wilson's father, Robert, described his son as a "very busy but happy boy".
"Christopher was a loveable, larger-than-life, loud, sometimes frustrating, beautiful, sparkling, blue-eyed human being, we will always miss him," Robert Wilson said.
"He left us last week doing what he loved, we are all hurting so much and we are so very, very sad.
"But of all of the machines he operated, his most favourite was the helicopter."
Mr Wilson died in a helicopter crash on the King River, west of Maningrida.
The area is known for its crocodile population and helicopters are often used to harvest croc eggs.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is still investigating the crash, with a preliminary report likely to be released within two months.
NT WorkSafe is also making enquiries about the incident.
Robert Wilson read out a letter from Sebastian Robinson, the 28-year-old survivor of the crash.
Mr Robinson "desperately wanted to be there", Robert Wilson said, but was still recovering from his injuries.
"To Willow, my mate, your passing has suspended reality for all of us," Mr Robinson's letter read.
"It was way too soon.
