‘We love you and we miss you’ - Shane Warne remembered at moving state funeral
- Planet Sport writer
- 30 March 2022
The world paid their final respects to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne during a state memorial service at the player’s beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Warne, who will forever be considered as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, passed away aged 52 on Friday, March 4. The former international suffered a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Thailand.
A private funeral was held earlier in the month, but a state service took place on Wednesday with family, friends and teammates sharing their tributes.
Warne's father, Keith, gave a particularly heartfelt eulogy, saying: "Friday March 4, 2022, 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 lost a beloved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
"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. 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. Love you, mum and dad."
Sir Elton John performed during the memorial service, signing his classic hit 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' via a video link. The British singer dedicated the song to Warne's three children: Brooke, Summer and Jackson.
Actor Hugh Jackman, golfer Greg Norman and singers Kylie and Dannii Minogue also appeared via video to share their tributes.
Some of cricket's greatest luminaries also shared their favourite Warne stories and memories during a panel hosted by Mark Howard.
The panel included England's Nasser Hussain, West Indies' Brian Lara and Australian trio Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes.
Following a musical performance from singer Jon Stevens, there was a second panel featuring Warne's close friends: Dimitri Mascarenhas, Aaron Hamill, actor Glenn Robbins and Sam Newman.
