Tribute to kind soul Corey

Kanahooka High School principal Peter Jones told several hundred mourners at Corey's funeral that he not only triumphed as an Aboriginal student, but encouraged younger children to do likewise.

"It's not easy being Aboriginal in our society and certainly not easy being Aboriginal in our school, but Corey was successful and he helped others," he said.

Corey, 16, died in Wollongong Hospital on January 16 after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on the F6 at Kembla Grange two days earlier.

Mr Jones told mourners at Dapto's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Corey's school years were not without "trials and tribulations".

"But certainly there was a lot of laughter and hilarity," he said.

Corey was one of 44 Aboriginal students at the school, and overcame cultural difficulties to help Aboriginal students at Hayes Park Public School with numeracy and literacy.

"He gave his time freely, he gave his time willingly to help others. That smile I can see so clearly and I will remember; and I know the students and staff of Kanahooka High will remember Corey and the contribution he made to our school."

A touching letter was read by Corey's uncle Ashley Sloan.

"Corey, it only feels like yesterday I was holding you in my arms and reading you a bedtime story.

"When you were afraid of the dark, I would wipe away your tears. Well, there's no need to be afraid of the dark. You are now a shining star looking down from up above."

Corey is survived by parents Derek and Tania, siblings Janita, Teigan, Jaryd and Bailey, and grandparents Colleen Fay Sloan and Alan and Rhonda George.