Actor Heath Ledger's family took out two columns of death notices in Friday's West Australian newspaper to express their grief over losing their beloved Heath.
Heath's older sister Kate wrote:
"I can hardly breathe when I try to write this . . . we were the ultimate in soul mates. I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. I loved our special talks, our daily chats from wherever you were in the world....
"There will never, ever be another 'Heath' and I think that in itself is the greatest tragedy.
"I will continue to talk with you everyday and love you just as if you were here. You will never leave my thoughts 'Roast,' ever."
His father Kim said:
"'Heatho,' 'Beef,' . . . my beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young . . . no more chess games mate . . . this is it, couldn't beat you anyway!
"My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."
Heath's mother Sally wrote:
"Our darling boy, special in so many ways to all of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda. Your loving Mamma, Rog and Ash."
Heath's younger sister Olivia wrote:
"You're my idol, my hero, but most importantly, my loving big brother. I'll treasure every moment we spent together. I love you Heath, I miss you and pray every night you're safe."
A tribute from all members of Heath's immediate family read:
"How do we describe our sudden and tragic loss? ... You were the most amazing individual 'old soul' in a young man's body.
"You so loved us, as we dearly loved you. As a close knit and very private family unit we have observed you so determined yet quietly traveling in your self-styled path in life, nothing would get in your way ... no mountain too tall, no river too wide.
"You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all, we have loved each other beyond imagination.
"Your true legacy lives on in beautiful little Matilda, who will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken . . . Dad and Ines, Mum and Roger, Kate and Nathan, Rori and Scarlett, Ashleigh, Olivia, Elana and Nadia."
