If life were measured not by longevity, but by how many people we impact, then the scope of Brandon Crisp's existence far exceeded his brief 15 years on the planet.  

That became strikingly clear on Friday, when more than 1,700 family members, friends and total strangers showed up to a church that couldn't handle them all, to say a tear-filled farewell to the beloved boy.

The 15-year-old was found dead in a field a week ago, after he left home following an argument with his parents over his video game use on Thanksgiving Day.

The story of the tragedy has since spread worldwide, attracting an interest and a sympathy that threatened to overwhelm St. Mary's Church on Amelia St. in Barrie, where the funeral was held at 10am.

Brandon's casket was adorned with the signatures of his classmates and friends (top left), a touching tribute that marked the loss of innocence and a sad testimony to a life cut short too soon.

"Brandon. Love you always," wrote a boy named Allistair.

"Brandon," inked a friend signed Jake, "you will be in our hearts forever."

Letters to the victim from his family were read out to the packed throng by Gordon Sweetzer, a friend of the Crisps, part of a eulogy that was as poignant as it was gut wrenching.

"I guess Brandon was meant to die young, because he was always a kid at heart," wrote Samantha, the youngster's twin sister. "Brandon was more than just a brother to me. He was my twin, my other half, and half of me will always be missing without him."

"I'm going to miss all the back rubs and head rubs you would be asking for, but mostly the special time you and I shared talking at the end of the day before I kissed you goodnight," his mom, Angelika, penned. "I'm sure God was looking for a great goalie to complete his hockey team and that is why you are there now."

His other sibling, Natasha, thought Brandon was a hit in heaven, using his charm and sense of humour to leave the angels laughing. She predicted he was in a section where all the special kids go and thinks he deserves nothing less.

His mother's final heartbreaking message had many openly weeping. "Good-bye for now my sweet, kind, beautiful son," it said. "I'll see you in heaven. Love, mom."

Some of the overflow crowd were forced to watch the solemn service in an adjoining hall, while others listened to an audio feed pumped out into the street.

Many who came wore yellow, an unusual shade for a funeral, but a fitting tribute - it was Brandon's favourite colour. It was also a reminder of the bright intensity of a too-short life.

An autopsy showed the boy died after suffering injuries likely related to falling from a tree.  An O.P.P. official told CityNews that he likely died the day he ran away, but that hasn't been confirmed.

His distraught family has borne their tragedy both publicly and privately, and hopes Brandon's name will live on with a trust fund to help underprivileged kids take part in sports programs.

Donations can be made at any branch of the CIBC across the country.

The funeral home has a page where messages of condolence can be privately sent to the family. Click here to leave one of your own.

Brandon Crisp case timeline