FAMILY, friends and students of City of Oxford College teacher Stephen Piper gathered to say goodbye to the ‘sassy’ dancer.

During an emotional memorial service yesterday, more than 400 people packed into St John the Evangelist’s Church in Carterton to celebrate the 28-year-old’s life.

Mr Piper died on October 23 when his car came off Eynsham Road, in Botley, and crashed into a bus shelter.

His mum Janice yesterday described him as ‘our dancer, our chancer’, in a poem read aloud by Rev James Maddern.

It added: “Goodbye to our dancer, dance on his name, he made each day count, so let’s do the same.”

The poem was followed by a video of Mr Piper’s students at college, where he taught dance and performing arts and was known affectionately as ‘Mr Sass’.

Messages from former pupils included ‘Steve, thank you for the sass’, ‘Your hips put any woman to shame’ and ‘I hope I make you proud. Keep dancing up there.’

A message from one of his colleagues simply read: “Fly forever”.

Mr Piper was born in 1988 and grew up in Carterton, where he went to the community college.

He was pupil at City of Oxford College before working there and also studied choreography and dance at Winchester University.

A tribute from his partner, Tom Fox, read aloud said: “Stephen had such a wonder about the world and a sense of mischief to go out and enjoy it. I love you, my awesome pipes”.

He was described as close to his siblings, Sarah, Hannah, Paul and Mikey, as well as his two nephews.

With his brother Paul, he had been a member of Witney Dramatic Society and a eulogy said they had often played practical jokes on their co-stars – even during performances.

Mr Piper was also in Oxford Operatic Society, whose members – joined by sister Sarah Brooks – gave a performance during the service.

They sang ‘What is this Feeling?’ from the musical Wicked and ‘We Go Together’ from Grease, two of Mr Piper’s favourites.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Brooks said the service was ‘testament to what an amazing person’ Mr Piper was.

The 31-year-old added: “Stephen was a vibrant, special person and we wanted to make sure he went out with a bang. He would want us to keep smiling so that is what we will continue doing.”

Fellow operatic society member Emily Lewis added: “He didn’t just light up the room, he was the room.”

An inquest into Stephen Piper’s death was opened on Thursday. It was adjourned.