With the message “Kyle Is Our Hero” written in flowers above his casket and on T-shirts worn by his family and close friends, Kyle Howard-Muthulingam was laid to rest Saturday.

Howard-Muthulingam, 16, died Friday, Aug. 10, after jumping into the water to help rescue a mother and child in distress at Woodbine Beach. Family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the young man, who was remembered as being incredibly generous of spirit. It was standing-room only at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home in Markham as hundreds came to pay their respects and celebrate the young man’s life.

Many of his classmates from Wexford Collegiate Performing School of the Arts were in attendance, along with members of the Sri Lankan, Jamaican and Canadian communities that make up his family background.

The service featured a moving rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day, sung a cappella by friend Nekeya Clarke, hymns and Bible readings from the Open Heaven Ministry, which was the church Howard-Muthulingam attended. The picture painted of Howard-Muthulingam was as a kind and generous young man who always put others ahead of himself.

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Despite the fact Howard-Muthulingam was not a strong swimmer, many were not surprised he jumped into the water to help others in danger.

“He was a person who was always selflessly giving and helping others. It’s a really big loss,” said Christian Markland, 16, who delivered one of the tributes.

“It’s important that we remember his sacrifice and remember everything that he’s done for us, because he’s helped a lot of people over the years. I think there are so many lessons we can learn from him, but that’s the most important one we can all take.”

Howard-Muthulingam’s parents did not speak at the service. “It’s a hard feeling, because he was an only child, and they lost him. They both feel empty, so it’s very sad,” said Ramesh Senthilnathan, a family friend

Some took comfort from the fact his selfless actions may have helped saved the lives of others in danger. That was the message many wanted to send.

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“Many people can help others, but they choose not to. But he did,” said Rev. Pastor Cyrus in his closing sermon. “You are alive. Do something with it. Help others like this young man did.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the Howard-Muthulingam family.