Loved ones and mates pay respects to slain Tamborine Mountain builder Matthew Berry
Tributes have been paid to slain Tamborine Mountain father-of-two Matthew Berry at a crowded funeral service attended by devastated family and friends. Here’s how he is being remembered.
Gold Coast
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He was remembered as a “loving father, son, brother and friend.”
A Tamborine local who had grown up and gone to school amid the natural beauty of the mountain community.
A man with a huge heart, who would always put others before himself.
On a cool grey Wednesday morning, family and friends gathered in hushed silence at the Tamborine Mountain Presbyterian Church to remember Matthew Berry.
The 37-year-old had been found dead on June 29 at his Tolima Dr home, a short ten-minute drive from where hundreds now gathered to pay their respects.
Daniel Robert McJannett, 36, a man who police allege was a groomsman and childhood friend, has since been charged with his murder.
Mourners at the small church not only packed its pews, but temporary seating set up outside.
More again stood through the service as traditional hymns including Amazing Grace and bursts of applause punctuated the air.
Among those left behind, Mr Berry’s mother Tania and stepfather, Alan Cottle, who run the Stonehaven Manor guesthouse and wedding venue on nearby Geissmann Drive.
His two young daughters, who he loved dearly.
And his former wife Edwina, who had days earlier spoken about the man she married.
“Matty was a loving father, son, brother and friend,” she said through tears.
“He was an incredible partner.
“His heart was huge, and he was always willing and able to put others before himself.”
Following the service Mr Berry’s coffin, blanketed in flowers, was led by a lone Scottish bagpiper to a silver hearse.
Family and friends walked slowly behind, some quietly sobbing.
They held each other tight as the hearse departed, sent on its way by a loud cry from Mr Berry’s friends – a final tribute to their fallen mate.
Facing the church, a monument with words from a local elder.
“Look after the land, She is our brother,” it said. “Honour each person, As sister and brother.”
Mourners bowed their heads and traffic paused as the hearse made its way down Main St to the sound of the bagpipes – a tight-knit community honouring a brother as he made a final journey through an area he knew so well.
A GOFUNDME APPEAL HAS BEEN SET UP TO HELP MR BERRY’S FAMILY. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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Originally published as Loved ones and mates pay respects to slain Tamborine Mountain builder Matthew Berry
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