So many people turned up to pay their respects to Derick (Manzy) Paynter Jr. that there was not enough room at the New Testament Church of God in St. David?s to hold them all.

The 17-year-old died when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a truck on Mullet Bay Road, St. George?s last Thursday.

Repeatedly those who spoke of Derick identified him as a well-mannered, helpful and fun-loving young man.

Many in St. George?s will remember him as the youngster who worked as a packer at Somers Supermarket before becoming a floor packer, then leaving the supermarket in April to begin work in construction.

He had grown to love his involvement with the Bermuda Cadet Corps to the point that he was trying to persuade his friends to sign up.

Derick rose to the rank of Sergeant and, at his funeral, was afforded a guard of honour from his former Cadet Corps colleagues.

A tribute on behalf of the Bermuda Regiment noted that despite originally losing his Sergeant?s stripe for a misdemeanour, Derick had shown strength of character to persevere and regain his Sergeant rank with the Cadet Corp.

Many of young people who attended the service wore hand-designed T-shirts baring Derick?s name and photograph.

And in the service officiated by Reverends Blanche Burchall, Clarke Minors and Gladwin Doars, emotional tributes were paid by two of Derick?s closest friends Shakir and Kyle Hodsoll, who recalled good times they had shared growing up.

Family friend Connie Francis read an account of Derick?s life starting with his birth in August, 1988 and the love he?d shown his parents, relatives and sisters Shericka and Shakira.

?He had a love of many things, including fishing and golfing with his dad.

?His friends will always remember him as ?The Joker?. He wanted to be a goalkeeper even though he only went to practice once,? she said.

?Derick had a love for life, he saw the lighter side of everything and tried anything ? even Rap. Swimming was a must for him and his friends. ?

He attended St. George?s Preschool, Francis Patton, East End Primary, Clearwater Middle School, CedarBridge Academy and Vision Academy.

Derick had been preparing for two weeks at Cadet Camp and on the morning of the day he died had asked his mum to wash his clothes and he would pay her as he needed to be ready to go to the camp.

It was as he returned from work that day, at around 5 p.m. that he was involved in a collision with a truck travelling in the same direction at a slight bend in Mullet Bay Road.

Derick?s parents Deborah Davis and Derick Paynter Sr. were among close family who attended the service.

The teenager?s friends have offered his family love and support since the accident, said Connie Francis as she listed the affectionate nicknames he knew them by: Gary Moreno, Shock Zizzle, Fairy Bop Bop, Fat Man Scoop, Skirt, Bus Stop, and White Boy.

?Derick had a nickname for almost everyone.

?These are now ?Debbie?s Boys?, their constant presence has given her much support and comfort for she knows he was a true friend who is dearly loved.?