OVER 400 people packed into the Ballarat Grammar chapel on Monday afternoon to remember year 12 student Ford Guthrie, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Australia Day.
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The school’s flag was flown at half mast while members of the Wigan boarding house formed a guard of honour to remember their friend and housemate.
Speakers including Ford’s parents, sister, teachers and friends spoke fondly of a young man with a love for shooting and football, who had a desire to one day take over the family farm.
The 17 year-old had just been elected house captain of Wigan going into his final year of secondary school.
Head of Wigan House Andrew Watson said Ford was a natural leader.
“It was totally evident from the moment I met him,” Mr Watson said.
“I had him as a year nine student, and right from that moment you could tell he was exceptional young man who was going to do incredibly well.”
Ford had been a boarding student at the school since year seven in 2010.
Mr Watson described the boarding house as “a brotherhood”, and said those within Wigan would be some of the hardest hit by Ford’s passing.
“Unless you’ve lived it it’s hard to explain how close those boys are, and how much they mean to each other, and what a key part of the whole thing Ford was.”
Described by his coach as a “brilliant” young footballer, Ford had played many games in the seniors for the Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club, wearing the number 47.
Ballarat Grammar headmaster Adam Heath said while students remained in shock from the incident, they were “coping admirably” with the grief.
Mr Heath said the school would continue to provide counselling services to all within the Grammar community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Guthries and we will be doing everything we can to assist them in dealing with their grief.”
Ford died when the car he was travelling in hit a tree at Willaura, 35 kilometres south of Ararat.
