The Whangarei community is mourning the tragic loss of 15-year-old Caleb Samuel Laurence-Goss, who passed away on 22 May 2026.
Born on 6 August 2010, Caleb was remembered by those who knew him as a boy full of life, laughter, and an infectious energy that left a mark on everyone around him.
Caleb is survived by his mother, Tessa, and father, Samuel, along with his stepfather, Gavin. He was the twin brother of Matthew, described as his best mate, and the loving brother of Sophie.
He also leaves behind his stepsiblings, Savannah, Henderson, Hayden, and Kimberley, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who will carry his memory for years to come.
Those closest to Caleb describe him as someone who could light up a room without even trying. His wild sense of humour kept people around him constantly laughing, and his cheeky grin was something nobody who met him could easily forget.
He had one of those larger-than-life personalities that is rare to find, especially in someone so young. Whether he was cracking jokes, pulling faces, or simply being himself, Caleb had a gift for making the people he loved feel seen and happy.
The bond he shared with his twin brother Matthew was something particularly special. Growing up side by side, the two were inseparable in the way that twins often are, sharing experiences and memories that belonged only to them. For Matthew and the entire Laurence-Goss family, the loss of Caleb at just 15 years old is a grief that words struggle to reach.
A funeral service was held to celebrate Caleb’s life on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 2.00 pm at the chapel of Morris and Morris Funerals, located at 17 Western Hills Drive, Whau Valley, Whangarei.
The service was followed by a private cremation. Friends, family, and community members gathered to pay their respects and share in remembering a boy who gave so much joy to those around him in his short fifteen years.
For those wishing to send condolences and messages of support to the family, tributes can be directed to the Laurence-Goss Families, care of Seddon Park Funeral Home, PO Box 5523, Frankton, Hamilton 3242.
Online tributes can also be left through the Morris and Morris Funerals website at www.morrisandmorris.co.nz, where the family has set up a space for those who knew Caleb to share their memories and words of love.
The notice published by Morris and Morris Funerals sums up what Caleb meant to his family in a simple and heartfelt way. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him forever.
To Tessa, Samuel, Gavin, Matthew, Sophie, and the entire Laurence-Goss family, the thoughts of the community are with you during this unimaginably difficult time. Rest easy, Caleb.
