ONE life. One chance. This was Victoria Kurz’ motto in life.
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It was about enjoying one moment at a time.
Last week, that life was cut tragically short when the 20-year-old Ballarat woman died in a car accident near Creswick.
The effect of her death on her family and friends has been profound.
Dozens have taken to a tribute Facebook page to share their memories; others organised a memorial ‘cruise’ from Ballarat to Geelong in honour of the girl they loved.
Yesterday, family and friends farewelled Tori in a moving service at Doveton Park Funeral Centre.
They wore every shade of pink and purple – her favourite colours.
Even her coffin was the brightest shade of pink.
Family and friends released balloons in Tori's memory.
People heard of a girl who lived life to the fullest; a girl who loved her fiance Anthony Blamey, her parents Matt and Kelly, her siblings Emma and Bodhi and her beloved car she worked so hard for.
Anthony said Tori was not just anybody, but his soul mate, his “wife-to-be”.
“Today is the hardest day of my life – to say goodbye to the one person in the world that I thought would be there for the rest of my life,” he said.
“Your life was only just beginning; we wanted to get married and have a family.
"Everything you did made me smile, made me laugh, sometimes made my cry. My love for you was real.
"I'd give everything I have just to have you back in my arms. You'll be forever in my heart until I die."
Her father Matt spoke of a daughter loved by many, taken before she and Anthony could live out their dreams.
“She lit up every room, often getting into trouble at school because she was too loud,” he said.
“As my children were growing up, I just expected them to try their best at all they did. Tori did that.
"She tried and succeeded at all things; often working three jobs so that she could get the car and all the beautiful things she and Anthony had.
“We will miss you walking in, saying ‘what’s cracking’, before going straight to mum’s make-up and perfume.
“Fly high with the angels, baby girl.”
“You lived everyday as if it was your last."
Tori had a group of close-knit friends, and loved being one of the boys.
Her friend Matt Blackwell spoke of her heart of gold and love for adventure.
"You lived every day as if it was your last," he said.
“Whether it was riding pee-wee 50s around the streets ... to four-wheel-driving and not caring the size of the hill, just trusting we could make it.
"You touched everyone's heart who came into your life; you could change anyone's day with just a smile.
“I know you wouldn’t want us to be sad today, but happy that we were all special enough to be a part of your life.”
emily.sweet@fairfaxmedia.com.au