'A life we envied': Lucas Fowler's father pays tribute to murdered son
"During his eulogy, Stephen Fowler — a Chief Inspector for the NSW Police — said his son was known for his "beautiful" blond curls and big smile.
He said Lucas, who had three older siblings, loved the outdoors and spent much of his time camping, four wheel driving and dirt biking.
It was after finishing an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic that Lucas began travelling overseas.
"Lucas lived a life that many of us envied," said Mr Fowler.
It was during his travels in Croatia that he met and fell in love with Ms Deese.
"We never had the chance to meet Chynna in person but she became a part of our family," said Mr Fowler.
"We are so happy that Lucas and Chynna found each other and had such a great time travelling together, meeting new friends and just milking every last drop of fun out of life."
"They laughed and loved, and touched the hearts of everyone they met."
Mr Fowler said his son had been working at a ranch in remote British Columbia before his death, after obtaining a working visa in Canada.
He said the "iconic" photo of Lucas, with frozen hair and a beard full of ice, was taken after a day of hard work in freezing conditions.
"[Lucas'] message was 'this is what happens when you are out checking fences on a snowmobile in minus-36 degrees'," Mr Fowler told the congregation.
"I wrote back 'easy way to get a haircut — just snap it off'."
He then told his son that very few Australians got to experience what he had."