The state funeral for the late Bert Newton took place this morning as more than 500 mourners said farewell to one of Australia’s greatest entertainers.
The service at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral was attended by his family, including wife Patti and daughter Lauren. Throughout, notable celebrities and politicians paid tribute to Bert, including Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and TV presenter Eddie McGuire.
One of the most moving tributes came from another of Bert’s children, Matthew, who was unable to attend his dad’s funeral due to COVID-19 restrictions. His eulogy was read out by family friend Peter Smith.
“I am very sorry that due to the pandemic I can’t be with you to celebrate,” Matthew’s eulogy started. “Growing up, I never really watched Bambi or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I didn’t want to – what fascinated me were the movies that created the black and white glow from my dad’s office.”
Matthew made clear how his dad was there in the bad times as well as the good times. “Everyone knows he was a great entertainer but what people don’t know is that he would be there in the tough times too – no one knows that more than me,” he said.
“Over the last 10 years, while I have lived abroad, Dad and I would play our conversational songs over Zoom and FaceTime, which allowed me to connect and reconnect with my whole family, especially Dad.”
A particularly emotional moment came when Matthew revealed his final conversation with Bert. “Our final conversation was different from the usual and we both knew it. We just said how much we loved each other. During this wonderful chat my mother was pottering around in the background, adding her two cents in, as usual.
At one point she took something into another room and the second she left, Dad leaned in and whispered, ‘I think she’s poisoning my food, Matthew.’ We both laughed and laughed until we cried. Although given why we’re here today, Mum, perhaps I should’ve taken him more seriously.”
Matthew concluded by mentioning the lasting love between his mum and dad. “You two were a team, are a team, and even though you’re not on stage together anymore, the show must go on. Dad was the ultimate host or compere – never presenter, a term he loathed. I’m going to really miss jamming with you, mate. Here’s looking at you, kid.”
Watch the full state funeral service of Bert Newton:
