Mr.  J. BULL (Sunbury) — It is a great privilege to rise with great sadness and great love to reflect on the extraordinary life of my best mate, Ryan Trent Jans. Ry would not care much for the sixth President of the United States, but John Quincy Adams once said, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader’. Ry was indeed a leader.

We first met when I was 14. Mum introduced us thinking that we might hit it off, and we did. Our friendship grew throughout our teens and together we became young men.

Though life often throws us challenges along the way, Ry certainly copped more than his fair share. He had cerebral palsy and he spent his life in a wheelchair, often relying on his wonderful family and carers to complete the simplest of tasks, though he was fiercely independent. There was no challenge too great for this tough, smart and funny man.

I want to take this opportunity to pay my greatest condolences to his family: Karen, Lauren, Norm and Bomber. I would also like to acknowledge the respect, care and genuine kindness shown to Ry and his family by the wonderful staff at the Austin Hospital. Their dedication and tireless work was much appreciated.

The communities of Sunbury and Riddells Creek have been deeply touched by Ryan’s passing. He taught so many that no challenge was too great, no day could not be borne and that laughter was always the best medicine. He was the best of men and will be greatly missed. Vale Ryan.