In Memory of Lachlan John Hile

There was no one quite like Lachlan in this world. Lachy, as he was more affectionately known, would first and foremost be recognised by his glowing and engaging smile, golden locks and iconic, casual strut. These features encapsulated who he was as a person; welcoming, warm and an individual with such an incredible presence that he would light up any room, tutorial, or space that he entered. This shining quality filtered into all aspects of Lachy's pursuits – whether academic or personal.

Not surprisingly anything that Lachy put his mind to he excelled in. He brought such grace, discipline and enthusiasm to all things that he was passionate about. His drive and passion spanned from being a GPS record-breaking swimmer (as of February, 2021 he sill holds nine records), to playing the double bass in the Sydney Youth Orchestra, to his love of film which included him avidly attending the Orpheum Cinema with friends and finally, but certainly not limited to, his enviably extensive knowledge of all Seinfeld episodes which always came in handy at pub-trivia; a weekly tradition that his mates will treasure for the rest of their lives.

If you shared a class with Lachy or met him at an event, it was always evident that no matter how busy he was, he always gave you his full attention and time, listening attentively and genuinely caring when you shared with him how you were going. The patience and warmth he brought to every conversation always left you walking away feeling a little bit brighter or more positive about the day. He imparted such a rare quality of always offering an authentic care for others, that was, and that will always be, deeply treasured by those around him. This beautiful quality of Lachy's made him so profoundly respected by fellow peers, professors, friends, family, girlfriend, co-workers, and acquaintances.

Boundlessly bright and intelligent, Lachy thrived in both his law and commerce degrees, but was always so humble when it came to his achievements. Never hesitant to help others at the last minute before an exam or assignment, Lachy honestly made studying law look effortlessly easy. You could ind him studying in Lawbry, or on level four of the New Law Building, listening to the best music – some favourites included the Clash and Pearl Jam. Despite what was going on around him, Lachy always maintained his cool, even in the most stressful exam periods he was always up for a banterous chat or even a cheeky beer and ten dollar pub steak at the Royal after a long day. We can learn so much from Lachy's grounded outlook and balanced disposition, to be able to put things into perspective when feeling stressed or anxious is a skill that not many of us have and Lachy always knew to prioritise life, friendship, and connection above all else.

An incredible work ethic and natural affinity for the law led Lachy to clerk at Corrs Chambers Westgarth which then turned into a paralegal position. It was evident how valued Lachy was as a team player by all at the firm, and there was no doubt that a boundlessly successful and enriching career as a lawyer would have awaited him after graduation.

When not working hard, Lachy was a true adventurer and had an intense desire to travel and explore the world. From skiing black slopes in Whistler to paddle boarding in Hawaii, exploring the historical roots of Pompei, road tripping in New Zealand with his closest friends or going more locally to Hawks Nest almost every year, Lachy embraced all that was new, challenging and unexpected that life had to offer with open arms.

When you are thinking of, remembering, and missing Lachy; you can look up to the night sky as there is a star that has been named after him near the constellation "Phoenix - a constellation which represents the unforgotten. There is nothing more symbolic of Lachy than a'star - he so brightly shone and stood out from the crowd, with a twinkling charm and cheekiness that truly lit up the company of whomever he was with, to have been fortunate enough to bask in Lachy's light is something we shall all treasure and keep extremely close to our hearts.

Lachlan is truly a beautiful soul never to be forgotten by those who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him. Whether they were transient moments or building up to be lifelong friendships, Lachy lives on in the hearts of many, and somewhere out there he is smiling down on those who loved him, and whom he loved, a star guiding the hearts of those who will forever miss him.