Standing ovation for Quentin Kenihan at his memorial service
QUENTIN Kenihan was remembered as a passionate, larger-than-life character with a generous spirit at his public memorial service on Sunday.
QUENTIN Kenihan was remembered as a passionate, larger-than-life character with a generous spirit at his public memorial service on Sunday.
About 500 of Kenihan’s family, friends and admirers filled the Adelaide Town Hall to honour the South Australian, affectionately known as “The Q Man”, who passed away suddenly on October 6 at the age of 43.
A who’s who of SA and the Australian entertainment industry were among those paying their respects, including media personalities Ray Martin and Jane Kennedy, Australian filmmaker George Miller, SA Premier Steven Marshall and Lord Mayor Martin Haese.
Hollywood star Russell Crowe, TV host Osher Gunsberg and US singer Jewel Kilcher were among those who shared poignant video messages with the crowd.
Oscar winner Crowe said Kenihan was the “bravest kid I ever met”.
“He was endlessly inspiring. I’m going to miss him very much. I’m happy to say I loved him,” he said.
“He was my little mate … we should all remember him in the best way.”
Kenihan’s mother, Kerry, Kenihan’s Mad Max director Miller, Martin and Mr Haese led the tributes, remembering Kenihan as “highly-opinionated” but always looking to help others.
“He’d always say talk about my ability, not my disability,” Martin said. “He made us all think about how lucky we are.”
Martin ended his speech by leading the 500-strong crowd in a standing ovation, which was something Kenihan “always wanted”.
Born with osteogenesis imperfecta — or brittle bone disease — Kenihan was lauded for his courage and never-say-die attitude by mother Kerry.
“He supported so many charities and causes, many he never told anyone about,” she said.
“This little man made a big impact. In all the ways that mattered, Quentin wasn’t handicapped at all.”
Kenihan shot to fame when at the age of seven, he was the focus of a TV documentary by journalist Mike Willesee, inspiring people with his humour and positive outlook on life.
Not expected to live past three months, Kenihan defied the odds time and again throughout his life, becoming an author, TV host, radio presenter and passionate disability advocate.
Kenihan’s best friend Filip Odzak, hosted the service and said everyone was there to “celebrate, not commiserate”.
“This is the birthday party turnout he always wanted,” he said.
Kenihan’s favourite artist, US singer Jewel, became emotional as she described how Kenihan was always looking to be the “best version of himself”.
“He exemplified heroism. Quentin really was a giant,” she said in a video message. “He was so bold, always looking to live his best life and he did it for other people.”
Miller, who cast Kenihan in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, said how he’d previously worked with superstars such as Nicole Kidman and Mel Gibson but “none of them prepared me for Quentin”.
“Somebody should have warned me,” he said. “He was extraordinary, that enthusiasm, that energy … he’s a heroic figure.”
