Shane Warne was given an emotional and touching send-off by his family, friends and adoring fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the new Shane Warne Stand was officially unveiled in his honour.
Warne, a legendary figure in the world of cricket who managed to transcend the sport, tragically passed away earlier this month at the age of just 52 after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand. A private funeral was held a few weeks ago at his beloved St Kilda football club, but Warne's accepted the offer of a state memorial service which offered millions around the world the chance to pay tribute to Warne.
The service was a fitting tribute to the great man, with members of his family and close friends from the world of cricket and showbiz all sharing their memories of Warne from both on and off the field. There were also musical performances from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Sir Elton John, Robbie Williams and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Warne's father, Keith, was the first member of the family to deliver an emotional eulogy, describing a future without him as "inconceivable". He said: "Friday March 4, 2022, the darkest day in our family’s life.It was a day that our son, Shane Keith Warne, was tragically and suddenly taken from us.
Our family loss of a loved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer. And the world lost a much-loved cricketing legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time.
"Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.
"We are grateful the world loved our son as we did and thankfully touched so many lives in so many ways. Of course people will remember Shane in their own way but for us it will be his unconditional love for family and friends.
"His generosity and loyalty which knew no bounds. And a joy he brought to so many people along the way who will forever bring us in Shane’s typical humble manner. Shane said of himself, 'I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket.'
"Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you, Mum and Dad."
Sir Elton John performed 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', while Chris Martin performed an acoustic version of the Coldplay song 'Yellow'. Robbie Williams delivered a poignant rendition of 'Angels', while Ed Sheeran performed 'Thinking Out Loud' after revealing Warne's family asked him to play it as it was Shane's favourite Sheeran track.
Warne's three children Brooke, Jackson and Summer also delivered heart-wrenching tributes to their father, with Summer saying: "You lived 100 lives, Dad. You never took anything for granted and you made sure you lived every day to the fullest. I know you will be forever watching me and be by my side the whole time.
"I will cherish the 20 years of memories we have and I’m reunited with you again. I want to say thank you Dad. Thank you for all the kind gestures you did for me. They never went unnoticed. You drew memories in my mind I will never erase and you painted colours in my heart I will never replace.
"You will always live forever inside my heart Dad, and I will continue your legacy. Forever my Dad, no matter where you are. May you now rest in eternal paradise, I love you so unconditionally much."
Jackson said: "You were the best dad anyone could have asked for and you were my best friend. Time with you went way too fast. It feels just like yesterday that we were looking at each others cards playing poker, eating pizza while watching the Saints.
"I'll never forget how much fun we had doing simple things, grocery shopping, watching movies or going for walks during lockdown. We didn't have to do much to be happy. Life was so easy and peaceful with you in it."
Brooke also paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying: "My Dad just wanted to be the best Dad he could be. He would always want to play games, take us to parks, watch movies, and chill around the house. At the end of the day, he just wanted to be our Dad. He wanted to be a part of our lives in every possible way. We were so lucky.
"I already miss you, Dad. I feel like you’re on holiday, because you were always working out of Australia, but I know that’s not the case. But what makes me the saddest is, I will never get to wrap my arms around you and give you the biggest hug and rest my chin on your chest.
"Dad was our shining star in life and now he’s shining down on all of us. We will do you so proud, Dad and we are so proud of everything you have achieved. We’re going to do what you always told us - try our best and we will try our best to live in a world without you. I love you always, Dad."
The service ended with Summer, Jackson and Brooke officially unveiling the new Shane Warne Stand.
