Warneke family remember tragic Broome death

A wreath was laid alongside the Broome highway last week to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the death of Broome man Josh Warneke.

Mr Warneke, 21, was found by a taxi driver at the side of the road with massive head injuries on February 26, 2010.

A 22-year-old man was charged with Mr Warneke's murder in 2012.

Four years on, Mr Warneke's mother Ingrid Bishop said the family was still trying to come to terms with their loss.

"I can't fathom the concept of it being four years already, as it still feels so close and recent," she said.

"As a family, we have all had to learn how best to cope with Josh's death and managing the challenges associated with that are relentless.

"When you lose a child the colour of life simply fades away."

As a mark of respect, on behalf of the family, Ms Bishop's friend Tarsh Mahar laid a colourful wreath at the site where Mr Warneke was found.

The murder trial is scheduled to be held in Broome in August.

Ms Bishop said words could not describe the "anguish and emotion" associated with the trial.

However, the family was continuing to prepare for the event and the pre-trial.

Before his death, Ms Bishop said life for Mr Warneke had been "fantastic."

"He had just returned from a holiday to Thailand as a deckie for a local Broome operator," she said.

"He was due to recommence his carpentry apprenticeship the following week and was starting to look around for a new four-by-four for his job - life was perfect.

"He would often joke and say his next challenge was finding a girlfriend."

Ms Bishop said she remembered Mr Warneke for his many qualities and attributes.

"I remember Josh for his strength of character, his cheekiness, his love of life and, of course, his beautiful, big smile that just melted your heart," she said. "I think of our time together - all too brief but ever brilliant.

"Losing a child is a sadness beyond words, which is only matched by the sadness in knowing what Josh lost - his years denied and the family he would have created."