Josef Cruikshank Tribute Onlinetributes.com.au

More than 150 people gathered in The Oaks on Monday night to remember Josef Cruickshank at a candlelight vigil.

His school friends, football mates, local friends and family came together to reminisce about the ‘’beautiful boy’’ who they said ‘’would never be forgotten’’.

Josef, a Camden High School student who lived at The Oaks, died from a gunshot wound while visiting a mate's house at Orangeville on Saturday night.

His friend, also 14, has been charged with murder after exercising his right to not participate in a police interview over the incident.

Josef's mum Rose Ferraro Cruickshank hugged a long line of friends at the vigil and thanked everyone for their support.

She reminded them of the close bond her son shared with the friend who tried to save his life.

''They’ve known each other for ten years and never had an argument,'' she said.

The group prayed together before friends and family shared their memories of the ''funny guy'' who ''loved to hug'' and ''always made everybody smile''.

One friend said Josef’s death made them realise how valuable the people around them were.

''We will always remember his kindness and care,'' she said.

''Long live the memories forever in the hearts of those who loved him.''

As his friends gathered close their parents and members of the community stood along the fence line to watch their children light candles in memory of their friend.

Josef’s dad, Joseph Cruickshank, said his son would always be looking down on his friends and family.

''He’s looking down on you and he knows you’re all here,'' he said.

''I’m really proud of you guys for coming here today.

''You’ve touched my heart and I know Josef would love it.''

One friend spoke to crowd on behalf of Josef’s footy mates.

He said Josef was a great player and a great kid.

''We’re going to miss him,'' he said. ''He was a good mate.''

Mr Cruickshank, said Josef’s big sister Daniella, 16, and little brothers Ethan, 5, and Ryan, 2, adored him and thought the world of him.

''The boys looked up to him and he was such a good big brother,'' Mr Cruickshank said with tears in his eyes.

''The first thing Ethan asked when we told him was 'who’s going to look after Daniella?'''

Josef started work as a mechanic in Camden two months ago.

His dad said he was very proud to hear his son wanted to be a mechanic.

''I’m a truck driver and he used to come with me and work hard on the trucks,'' he said.

''I’m proud of him for starting work already and wanting to take that path.''