Justin Peisley, Rebels MC outlaw and son of national Aboriginal icon, remembered
Family, friends and bikies from the Adelaide Chapter have remembered the life of a ‘legendary’ member of the Rebels MC in a touching funeral.
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A life member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club outlaw bikie gang and the son of a late national Aboriginal icon has been remembered for his “heart of gold” in a touching funeral celebrating his life.
Justin Mark Peisley died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 19 in Adelaide.
Mr Peisley’s 52-years of life was commemorated this Saturday by dozens of people who donned black clothing or the thick, leather jackets of the Rebels Motorcycle Club.
They began by gathering outside the Grand Wattle Chapel for the smoking ceremony, which is an Aboriginal custom to ward off bad spirits involving smouldering plants.
Once the grieving group moved inside – they started their speeches.
His wife, Tessa, spoke first, saying she would “always remember the love” they shared during their 13-year relationship, in which he helped her grow to be better.
“You have helped me to be the person I am today,” Tessa said in her speech.
“When I met you – I was so shy – and you gave me confidence to believe in myself.
“I told you about my interest in wanting to help the homeless and you held my hand and guided me the whole way through, even coming to my first job interview with me, because I was too scared on my own.”
Holding back tears, Tessa said she will miss his “letters on the kitchen bench every morning”.
Meanwhile, Mr Peisley’s mother-in-law, Diane, revealed she misjudged him when she first met.
“I’m sure you all know the saying – ‘never judge a book by its cover’,” she said.
“Well I did and how wrong I was … by the end of the first night when I met Justin, my opinion changed quickly, as I realised what a nice man he was.”
Diane went on to express her gratitude for Mr Peisley’s love, kindness, and positivity.
Mr Peisley was also acknowledged for his work as a senior cultural heritage officer for RAW Group, a company that provides workplace training for Aboriginal people and opportunities for ex-convicts.
He was a proud Ngarrindjeri and Buandig (Boandik) man and son of Elder Aunty Shirley Peisley, who became an icon during the 1967 Australian referendum to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the census.
She died in August last year.
Meanwhile, bikies from the Adelaide Chapter and interstate acknowledged him as a “legendary” outlaw.
“He was a quality bloke, he was a lifesaver at times, he was always there when you needed him, a big smile, a cheesy grin, quick joke, and a big f*cking hug,” one bikie said.
“He was a f*cking legend and he wouldn’t start a fight.”
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