Today was an extremely tough day for you see, today we gathered at the Manly Village Church in West Promenade Manly to farewell a friend.
Chris Renz died in a tragic set of circumstances while skateboarding at Kangaroo Valley on the south coast of NSW.
We all heard the news of Chris' death and were absolutely struck dumb as a result. As a fine tribute to the man, a skateboard race that was being held was renamed in Chris Renz honour. Riders came from near and far and and it was a wonderful testament to Chris with the way that the competition evolved.
Today, however, was when the reality hits and knocks you around.
This was not a funeral, but a memorial. There were no celebrants or people to hold a service. This was for reflection and personal farewells. This was a way for people to come together and reflect on their times with Chris and to say auf widersehen.
At 12:50pm the coffin was opened for those who were up to it.
The whole day was so moving. There were tears, there were many tears. Chris had his closest and dearest friends in attendance and there was genuine grief stricken emotion.
At one stage, the mighty Eusebio had Chris' family skyped in from Germany. This was very difficult for them and for everyone, particularly them. They were thankful for the support of all of Chris's friends in Australia.
The moment came when Chris's mother asked to see him in the open casket. 'I want to see him'. I have heard this occur before, but many years ago when a guy I played soccer with was killed, but the grief, sadness, anger and despair in her weeping and in her words is something that is just not right. It touched everyone.
Would a good and just God, let this happen. The logical sequence of events would dictate that we bury our parents. Seriously man, this is not right that parents bury children. Shame on you....
I read a light eulogy and then we got on with the farewell.
The pallbearers, Aldo, Eusebio, Chrisso and Ali wheeled Chris out and we then followed the hearse out of the street.
Eusebio skitched a ride as a mark of respect but today was a truly sombre and sobering, yet real and emotional celebration of the life of Chris Renz.
Skate in Peace little dude.
Your parents may have lost you but they have gained a hundred more of your friends in Australia that will help comfort them through your loss.
Chris Renz died in a tragic set of circumstances while skateboarding at Kangaroo Valley on the south coast of NSW.
We all heard the news of Chris' death and were absolutely struck dumb as a result. As a fine tribute to the man, a skateboard race that was being held was renamed in Chris Renz honour. Riders came from near and far and and it was a wonderful testament to Chris with the way that the competition evolved.
Today, however, was when the reality hits and knocks you around.
This was not a funeral, but a memorial. There were no celebrants or people to hold a service. This was for reflection and personal farewells. This was a way for people to come together and reflect on their times with Chris and to say auf widersehen.
At 12:50pm the coffin was opened for those who were up to it.
The whole day was so moving. There were tears, there were many tears. Chris had his closest and dearest friends in attendance and there was genuine grief stricken emotion.
At one stage, the mighty Eusebio had Chris' family skyped in from Germany. This was very difficult for them and for everyone, particularly them. They were thankful for the support of all of Chris's friends in Australia.
The moment came when Chris's mother asked to see him in the open casket. 'I want to see him'. I have heard this occur before, but many years ago when a guy I played soccer with was killed, but the grief, sadness, anger and despair in her weeping and in her words is something that is just not right. It touched everyone.
Would a good and just God, let this happen. The logical sequence of events would dictate that we bury our parents. Seriously man, this is not right that parents bury children. Shame on you....
I read a light eulogy and then we got on with the farewell.
The pallbearers, Aldo, Eusebio, Chrisso and Ali wheeled Chris out and we then followed the hearse out of the street.
Eusebio skitched a ride as a mark of respect but today was a truly sombre and sobering, yet real and emotional celebration of the life of Chris Renz.
Skate in Peace little dude.
Your parents may have lost you but they have gained a hundred more of your friends in Australia that will help comfort them through your loss.
Farewell Chris - skitchin'. |