Family and friends today paid tribute to George Ford, 20, as almost 200 people packed Holy Trinity Church in Slad for his funeral.
There was standing room only at the back of the service as loudspeakers also relayed the readings, music and prayers outside to a further small crowd of mourners.
Bourne into church to the strains of Bill Withers "Lean on Me", Nottingham University undergraduate George died on December 16.
But he hadd packed a great deal into his 20 years and left "so many memories of good times," his father Bill said.
He remembered his son's "enthusiasm, love of life, camaraderie and quirkiness" and said: "Thank you all for coming today. It means a lot to us. Since we moved to Stroud almost 10 years ago this town has become very special to our family."
Young peoples' tributes described George as a loyal, supportive and dependable friend, and a good listener.
George spent his boyhood in Nottingham, attended Marling School after the family moved to Stroud, and had returned to Nottingham to study chemistry.
George, whose body was found by police in a waterway near Stroud town centre, is also survived by his mother Helen and brother Joe.
