Family and friends farewell Dr Michael Yung at funeral service in Norwood
Hundreds have gathered to farewell one of Adelaide’s leading pediatricians on what would have been his birthday – after his alleged murder.
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As the rain came down on Saturday morning, family and friends gathered at Berry’s Funeral Home on Magill Rd in Norwood to farewell Dr Michael Yung on what would have been his 62nd birthday.
Dr Yung has been remembered as a hard worker, with a cheeky wit and sharp mind.
The former head of the pediatric ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital on December 12.
Dr Yung was taken to the RAH in the early hours of December 11 after allegedly being attacked inside his $2m Gilberton home during a violent home invasion.
He suffered life-threatening injuries, including stab wounds to the abdomen, and died the following day.
Uniformed paramedics were among those who paid their respects to the late doctor on Saturday as his family shared their favourite memories of him.
His mother Gillian Yung spoke of her heartbreak, losing her son in the most tragic of circumstances.
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“Today we gather to remember Michael’s life, not the manner of his death,” she said.
“Evil must not win.
“Some of us have lost a precious family member, some of us have lost a friend.
“But I have lost my child, every parent’s nightmare.
“Our recent trip to Tasmania together is a time I will remember for the rest of my life.”
His son Conor Yung thanked his father for instilling in him “an appreciation of life’s small pleasures.”
“Whether it was chewing the fat over coffee, talking about politics or doing something else he loved, sometimes listening to him play his saxophone.”
“I’d also just like to say I really admire the special bond my mum and my dad had.
“I’ve been reflecting on their relationship and I’ve realised how blessed I’ve been, as a son, to have had parents that are so profoundly in love.
“I hope I can cultivate a similar bond with my future partner.”
His sister Alison Yung spoke about Michael’s favourite things in life.
“He loved cricket, and AFL football,” she said.
“He was a passionate Hawthorn supporter.
“He loved his work and his colleagues, his friends and family and especially his sons.
“Just as Michael was so full of love, he was so very loved.
“I love you Michael. I love you my brother. I will always miss you.”
“I am the only person in the entire world that Michael ever tortured,” his brother Simon Yung said, recalling a childhood incident.
“When Michael was either in year nine or ten, he started playing hockey for our school and being Michael, he wanted to be better at it than he was.”
Simon recalled the moment his big brother accidently hit him with a hockey ball during one practice session, leaving Simon with a “lifelong mark”, before Michael held an ice pack to his brother’s forehead, apologising over and over.
“I was patient zero, I was his first ever pediatric patient,” Simon said.
“He always was and always will be my big brother.
“I will miss him every day.”
Dr Yung’s family encouraged a donation be made in Michael’s memory to his wife’s foundation.
“Family, friends, colleagues and all who have been touched by Michael, including those he cared for, are invited to pay respects at his funeral service to be held on Saturday January 6 at 1pm,” the family wrote in a tribute.
“In lieu of flowers, a donation in Michael’s memory may be made to the Kathryn Browne-Yung Foundation via their website.”
His uni friends spoke of their early years learning together, which turned to online catch ups later in life.
“We’re going to miss you Mike, we love you so much,” his uni friend Jeremy Cailes said.
His mate Cameron Profitt reminisced about Michael’s “great sense of humour.”
“We shared a house together in fourth year,” he said.
“We studied together pretty much every day for years.
“We had some great times.
“A highlight was being the best man at his wedding.
“He was a dear, dear friend.
“We are all in shock at his tragic passing, and our hearts go out to his family.”
“Being here is quite surreal,” uni buddy Tim Akhurst said.
“It’s like I’m here to see him, the news has left me in a sense of disbelief.”
Dr Yung has been described by his friends and family as a “truly selfless man”, with people all over the state paying tribute to the “outstanding doctor.”
As mourners said their last goodbyes to Dr Yung, photos of him as a child growing up, as well as highlights of his life were displayed to his favourite music by The Beatles.
Young couple Kerem Aydin, 22, and Jacinta Davila, 27, were arrested on Tuesday, December 12, with both originally charged with murder.
However, The Advertiser since revealed the murder charge against Ms Davila was dropped, and replaced with assisting an offender.
She was released from the Adelaide Women’s Prison on strict home detention bail after spending nine days in custody.
Her co-accused, Mr Aydin, is still in custody charged with murdering the beloved doctor, and is yet to enter a plea.
South Australian parents thanked Dr Yung for caring for their children, saying he always “pushed for answers and did his best.”
Health minister Chris Picton said Dr Yung “dedicated his life to helping others, including caring for some of the sickest and most vulnerable children of our state.”
“We are incredibly grateful for his contribution to South Australian families during their hardest times,” Mr Picton said.
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