Family and friends are gathering at St Alban the Martyr Anglican Cathedral for the 19-month-old’s funeral.

Christopher’s smiling face adorns the funeral booklet, which states the service is a celebration of his life.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear,” is written on the front cover of the booklet.

Christopher Lance Beale, who tragically drowned, is the much loved son of Christopher and Karissa.

He is a loved brother to Jayla and Aaleahya, cherished grandson of Colleen and Frank and Rhonda and Joe.

Christopher is a beloved great grandson of Bill and Pat Undy and Tony and Pietrina Guardala.

He is the loved great nephew of Joel and Tahlia, Zoe, Mick, Leanne, Paula, Angie, Maree, Robert, Vinnie, Keith, Bec, David, Jamaine, Jamahl and JJ and a loved cousin and cherished friend.

A number of passages from the Bible will be read, including Mark 10.13-16.

“People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw his, he was indignant and said to them, ‘let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to these that the Kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.’”

RIP, Christopher.