What a weekend

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200608/s1727181.htm

Don Chipp passed away earlier this week. I was fortunate enough to have spoken to him several times, and even sung his praises in a speech at a Christmas function. He was my mother's uncle.

I don't know what relation that makes him to me. A great uncle? I'm not really sure.
Anyway, He was a lovely, great man. Very inspiring, very powerful. So I was incredibly honoured to attend his funeral (held at St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne).
It was a state funeral, so the likes of the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks, and Treasurer of Australia, Peter Costello, among other prominent politicians, were there.

It was a touching ceremony. Each member of his immediate family gave a speech, as well as Natasha Stott Despoja (member of the democrats) and Andrew Denton (talk show host on ABC, who I was fortunate enough to sit next to).
After the ceremony was finished, and the procession crept towards the Cemetery, we jumped in the car and also headed there. A 15 minute session followed where the family payed their last respects. After that, one of Don's son's invited everybody back to his house.
It was good there. A lot of people talking about their experiences with Don, but also a lot of people talking of other matters, signifying that they had received closure, which is really what the follow-up event is for.

While we were conversing with one of my Mum's cousins, Graham, we came to the conclusion that the reason everybody had such an easy time comprehending the loss of Don is because at the funeral, his life was celebrated, rather than the uniform funeral approach, which is to mourn death. There is a subtle difference, but the outcome is not so. Don left behind very specific instructions pertaining to his funeral, so he made it easier on his family.

RIP Don Chipp, you'll be sorely missed.