The Type 1 diabetic died on January 8 in his Horsham home due to diabetic complications.

Ian did his schooling at Naracoorte Primary School and Naracoorte High School.

After school he trained as a builder with Ian Hickson in Naracoorte and joined the Australian Air Force Cadets.

He joined the 612 Squadron at Mount Gambier in 2002 as a cadet.

Ian was quickly promoted through the ranks and superiors said it was inevitable he would move up.

In June 2008 he became an instructor on the staff at Mount Gambier and in June 2009 he was promoted to flying officer (AAFC) and was posted on secondary duties to 422 Squadron when he moved to Horsham.

AAFC wing commander Peter Gill said: “Ian was an inspiration to those cadets in his charge and, by all accounts, they meant the world to him.

“He gave so much to others, and expected nothing in return.

“Ian was articulate, intelligent, enthusiastic, tenacious, dedicated, well-loved, and respected.

“He loved life and he lived his life.

“Members of the AAFC will forever be grateful to have known Ian.

“He was one of the most dedicated, helpful, pleasant, and likeable staff members and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

About 500 people attended the funeral in Naracoorte Town Hall on Saturday.

Brother Phillip Maria said: “It was a celebration of life more than mourning.”

Phillip loved his big brother and was proud of the person Ian was.

“He was the brother that was always there,” he said.

“He always looked out for everyone else.”

Ian bought a house in Horsham six months ago and started renovating.

“He was trying to turn it into a really nice house,” Phillip said. “He enjoyed doing his building.”

The Maria family was overwhelmed by the large number of Facebook messages posted online.

He touched many people and the family is proud of him and his achievements in such a short life.

Ian is survived by his parents, Kevin and Wendy of Langkoop, and four brothers Michael, Craig, Alex and Phillip.