Tributes have flowed in for Mount Riverview resident Andrew Coogan following the tragic end to a police search on Saturday.
Mr Coogan's body was found in bushland near Mount Riverview at 3pm on Saturday following an extensive search for the 35-year-old who was reported missing earlier in the week. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
A well-known local resident who worked in many Lower Mountains coffee shops, Mr Coogan was remembered as a "kind and gentle soul" with an infectious smile.
"I spoke to Andrew a couple of times while he made my hot chocolate at a local coffee shop and and he left an indelible impression. He always seemed like a free spirit and just had a lovely, lovely soul. I'm so extraordinarily sad to hear of his loss to this world... His beauty touched people he didn't even know," Sarah Woodsell Howe posted on Facebook.
"Your infectious smile will be etched in my memory forever. Such a gorgeous man and gentle soul, taken far too soon. Sending my love to all of the Coogan family and friends," posted Orla Slee.
Mr Coogan was last seen on Tuesday, December 9. He had visited Penrith Plaza with a housemate on Tuesday morning before heading to Blacktown on his own, police said. It is understood he returned to his Bellereeve Avenue home some time later that day.
Police set up a mobile command unit at Mt Riverview shops to co-ordinate the search on Friday and appealed for the public's help in locating Mr Coogan. His family and friends kept people updated on the search effort via social media, thanking everyone who helped in the operation.
Mr Coogan grew up in the Blue Mountains, attending St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and St Columba's High School.
The eldest son in a family of eight, a spokesman for the family described him as "very unique... there was no-one that was like him".
"Andrew has often been the strength of the family," he said.
Tributes to Mr Coogan stretched from those who knew him from his school days to customers he made coffee for.
"As a kid I spent many hours indulging in the great hospitality of the Coogan family in Linden and then Yellow Rock. Naturally I initially viewed Andrew as an annoying younger brat, but his cheeky ways, lovely grin and gentle manner soon won me over. Reading the comments on this page suggests these traits were loved by many in his adult life too," Liz Mifsud posted on Facebook.
Adara Hartmann posted: "... You would not only make the best coffee in the world, but you would leave impressions on everyone you met with your kind and gentle soul and thoughtful words. You will be greatly missed in this world."
The funeral service for Andrew Coogan will be held at Wentworth Falls Lake on Monday, December 22 at 10.30am
"Following the service we would like you to join us for a bite to eat and to share your memories of Andrew with us," his family posted on Facebook.
"As the services will be held outside with minimal seating, we ask that you bring a picnic blanket or chair to sit on."