Tom Karras memorial: family and friends unite

MORE than 50 people were expected to gather at Haida Bar last night to pay tribute to Thomas Karras, the 15-year-old who died on Saturday trying to save his dog from the path of an oncoming train.The venue held a private function from 6pm to 9pm for close friends and family of the rising soccer star.A memorial book was also passed around for those who loved Thomas to write messages of support to his family.From 9.30pm until the end of the evening, $2 from the entry fee paid by every person entering the bar was donated to the family.A spokesperson for the venue said several staff members were close friends of the teenager, prompting them to hold the event to pay tribute to his successes.Yesterday, Thomas’s family paid tribute to the teenager in a notice published in The Courier, describing him as “our beautiful, beloved young man”.“The thought of your cheeky smile gladdens our hearts,” the notice read.“Everyone that met you instantly fell in love with you.”Thomas, who The Courier did not name earlier this week at the family’s request, was a Year 10 student at St Patrick’s College.He was a talented under-17 soccer player with the Wimmera South Coast Eagles, who played in the Victorian Champions League.Follow @jennifergreive