Jarrod Samson-Hills spent much of his short life at Glenbrook skate park so it was fitting that a tribute to the late Blaxland tradie was unveiled there on Saturday afternoon.
Jarrod's family took the covers off a memorial bench - made in the shape of skateboard - that bears an inscription to the 19-year-old who tragically fell to his death from a sixth floor balcony while celebrating his mother's birthday in Terrigal last August.
Hundreds of Jarrod's family and friends released blue balloons following the informal ceremony, which was also attended by members of two of his favourite Australian hip hop bands, Horrowshow and Thundamentals.
"The skate park gave Jarrod an outlet for his worries, it gave him a passion for skate boarding and most important of all, for him, he forged unforgettable friendships with many people here," his mother Leanne Samson said.
She thanked Jarrod's many friends for their help in making the memorial a reality - they raised much of the money for the seat by selling tribute t-shirts - as well as Jarrod's workplace, Kelbon Concreting; his old school, Blaxland High School; and Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill and the council.
"If there is anything to come from this devastating time losing Jay, it is that life is precious - love with all of your heart, respect each other, look after your family and friends, and think before making a decision that could change your life and the lives of the people you love," Ms Samson told the crowd.
"But most of all I ask that you honour Jarrod by living a full and happy life for him. He would not want anything less for us."
