A send off fit for a King amongst Kings
Yesterday (January 9) friends, family and colleagues farewelled Ted at a moving funeral ceremony here in Brisbane.
Attended by well over 400, the service was warm, inclusive and like Ted himself at times irreverent. There were tales of Ted's misdemeanours and indiscretions but always focussed upon celebrating the genuine joie de vivre that marked Ted to everyone who knew him. We laughed, wept and most importantly reflected upon how lucky we were to have known him. Ted and Jenny's family gave readings and the eulogy, followed by a heart wrenching tribute from Ted's and Jenny's son Bray on behalf of himself and his sister Amy to the wonderful Dad they were lucky enough to have had, and will always remember. Dry eyes were not in abundance.
During the service family photos of Ted and friends (in which his international friends featured heavily) the Ted we all knew beamed out at us with his characteristic ear to ear grin, accompanied at times by a glass and/or cigar in hand. Emails from friends were read and some tributes from the floor followed before Ted's body was bid farewell for cremation. Many proceeded to Ted's local golf club for the 1st wake over which much conversation and reminiscing brought Ted back to life for us (perhaps lubricated by one or two ales).
As the sun began to set Jenny invited the crowd back to Ted and Jenny's home for a meal and time to celebrate further. The evening went late and moved into "Red for Ted" (red wine) mode fairly rapidly. It was typical of the hospitality Ted and his family have shown to so many of us over the years. For those that don't know Ted's neighbourhood was devastated on November 22 by a localised tornado that destroyed or severely damaged most homes in the area. In the midst of condemned and damaged homes Casa d' Lang has been a sanctuary for many. Despite the damage of their own home, Ted and Jenny have been helping neighbours, tradesmen and emergency services workers in any way they can since the storm. To this end Ted, together with the Salvation Army, has been raising money to provide a catering van that, in times of disaster, can be used to help those facing loss of homes, possessions and loved ones. I will post a link to the fund here shortly for those who might like to contribute. Much of the discussion during the night covered the work Ted has done for so many others and the need for us to continue it in his memory.
For those who were able to be there it helped us to understand why we feel so much pain at Ted's passing and to some extent helped the healing begin. For the many friends who were unable to attend, you know that Ted would not hold it against you. We saw him off in a style that he would have appreciated and I'm sure that he is in your thoughts where ever you may be.
Fare well Ted. Thanks for the memories and showing us what we can be if we set our minds to it.
DNC